Green Access, Lagos Fashion Week’s flagship designer development programme, returns for its 2026 edition with a renewed call to emerging African designers to rethink the role of craft in shaping the future of fashion.
Following the launch of The Blueprint for a Regenerative Fashion Future Manifesto (The Manifesto), Green Access 2026 reinforces Lagos Fashion Week’s commitment to turning industry ambition into action.
Since its launch in 2018, Green Access has become a cornerstone of Lagos Fashion Week’s commitment to advancing the circular economy in Africa. Created to spotlight and nurture designers embracing environmentally and socially responsible practices. The programme has supported a growing community of designers whose work continues to shape conversations around craftsmanship, contemporary African fashion and the circular fashion economy. Alumni, including Ajanée, Cute Saint, Eso By Liman Desiree Iyama, Garbe, Kadiju, Oshobor, Pepperrow, Pettre Taylor, and Y’wande, to name a few, have gone on to build distinctive brands recognised for their creativity, craftsmanship and forward-thinking approach to fashion.
This year’s theme, Crafted in Practice: Reimagining Craft for a Circular Future, challenges participants to rethink craftsmanship not simply as heritage to preserve, but as a practical solution for the future of African fashion. According to Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director, Lagos Fashion Week
“Community has always been at the heart of African fashion. The Manifesto’s Community-Led Creation and Inclusive Prosperity pillar reflects that belief, and Green Access brings it to life by connecting emerging designers with artisans, manufacturers and creative partners across the value chain. Through these collaborations, we’re preserving knowledge, creating opportunities and helping build businesses that strengthen both local communities and the future of African fashion.”
Selected designers will embark on an intensive mentorship journey spanning research and storytelling, design development, circular design, craft and production, business development and communications. Alongside workshops, site visits, business clinics and prototype reviews, participants will work closely with artisan communities and industry experts to develop collections that reflect both creative excellence and sustainable thinking.
As part of this year’s programme, participants will also take part in a two-week textile workshop at the Kokrobitey Institute in Ghana. Bringing together textile practitioners, artists from across Africa, the workshop will provide hands-on learning in traditional textile techniques, contemporary practice and sustainable making, further strengthening participants’ understanding of African craft traditions and circular design principles.
The programme culminates at Lagos Fashion Week 2026, where each designer will present a capsule collection featuring a hero piece demonstrating craftsmanship innovation, supported by a material sourcing plan, sustainability impact statement and documented creative process.
Applications for Green Access 2026 open 21 July 2026 and close 16 August 2026. Apply today