The Business of Fashion has just unveiled its highly anticipated BoF 500 Class of 2025 , and once again, the African continent is making its mark, with a strong showing of visionaries from Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa reshaping the global fashion landscape.

Each year, 100 new inductees are added to the BoF 500, the definitive index of the most influential figures in fashion worldwide. This year’s selection reflects a growing shift in the industry’s epicenter, with fashion increasingly drawing influence from the Global South. And nowhere is this more evident than in the Nigerian and African continent, whose cultural imprint is expanding well beyond borders.

“This is our most global group of industry shapers yet,” said Imran Amed, Founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion, noting new entrants from countries such as Cameroon and Panama, signalling fashion’s continued evolution into a truly global industry.

Nigerian Powerhouses On This Year’s List

Nigeria’s cultural exports are booming, and the BoF 500 Class of 2025 confirms it. Among this year’s honourees:

Ayra Starr: The celestial Afropop star has not only taken over charts but is now making waves in fashion with her bold style and global appeal.

Tems: With a Grammy and Oscar nomination under her belt, Tems is redefining what it means to be a multi-dimensional creative force,  and her effortless, elegant style continues to resonate worldwide.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by TEMS (@temsbaby)

Daniel Obasi:  Known for his ethereal imagery and Afrofuturist storytelling, Obasi’s work as a stylist, art director, and photographer has positioned him as one of Nigeria’s most visionary fashion voices.

Grace Ladoja: A cultural strategist and founder of Metallic Inc., Ladoja’s dual Nigerian-British identity informs her sharp, global approach to talent management and storytelling.

Seni Saraki & “Teezee” Teni Zaccheaus:  Co-founders of Native Networks, the duo are pioneering new narratives around African youth culture and pushing the envelope for what fashion and media can look like on the continent.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by TEEZUS 🇳🇬👑 (@teezee)

African Excellence Takes the Global Stage in BoF 500 Class of 2025

Beyond just Nigeria, African excellence also shines on the global stage, as the following creatives make the Business of Fashion List

From Cameroon, Ibby Njoya continues to break ground as a UK-based art director whose boundary-pushing visual language is influencing top fashion campaigns.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ibby Njoya (@ibbynjoya)

Katungulu Mwendwa of Kenya, founder of the label Katush, brings eco-conscious design and East African aesthetics to the international stage.

Ethiopian entrepreneur Mahlet Teklemariam, founder of Hub of Africa Fashion Week, is cultivating a platform for emerging African talent.

Mamuor Majeng of South Sudan continues to be a rising star in the modeling world, representing a new face of African beauty and grace