Sèmè City, the Beninese government’s flagship project for human capital development, and Institut Français de la Mode, a leading international higher education institution, announce the launch of Fashion Led By Youth (FLY), an innovative incubation program dedicated to the development of young creative entrepreneurs in African fashion.
According to the organizers, over 12 months, participants in the FLY program will have the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills to design and launch innovative products and services in a variety of sectors linked to the fashion and textile industry: clothing, textiles, jewellery, accessories, distribution, marketing and lifestyle.
They will benefit from individual coaching by renowned professionals, masterclasses led by experts, and immersion in a dynamic ecosystem. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with access to a digital toolbox, collective online coaching sessions, individual mentoring and two face-to-face sessions in Sèmè City, Benin, taught by professors and experts from Institut Français de la Mode.
Claude Borna, Managing Director of Sèmè City had this to say: “This partnership with Institut Français de la Mode is a testament to our commitment to excellence. The program reflects our deep belief in the creative power of African entrepreneurs, who, I am convinced, are destined to revolutionize fashion industry standards on an international scale.”
Xavier Romatet, Dean of Institut Français de la Mode says: “By joining forces, IFM and Sèmè City will pool all their resources and expertise to ensure that these creative entrepreneurs flourish on the scale of their ambition: whether local, continental or international.”
Whether they are creative brands or innovative startups, being surrounded by other entrepreneurs and fashion experts will enable these African talents to make the right decisions from the very first steps.
The major challenge is to combine economic development with preservation of the cultural specificities of the projects, in an eminently sustainable entrepreneurial spirit.
— Thomas Delattre, Director of the Fashion Entrepreneurship Center at IFM.
Call for applications
• Launch date of the call for applications: March 12, 2024
• Application deadline: April 19, 2024 (midnight)
• Targeted candidates: this program is aimed at a wide range of creative profiles, professional or otherwise, aged 18 to 35 – entrepreneurs, designers, stylists, or those simply passionate about the fashion industry and wishing to set up their own business in Benin.
• Projects are evaluated on the basis of criteria including: value proposition, commercial potential, project sustainability, differentiation and creativity, production process and unique expertise.
To apply, candidates must complete an application form on this link – www.ifmparis.fr/programmes/incubateur/fly, attaching a lookbook and any additional resources illustrating their creativity and experience.