Christie Brown Academy and Mastercard Foundation Empower Africa’s Next Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs

Accra, Ghana – In a landmark event on June 14, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Accra, the Christie Brown Academy (CBA), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, celebrated the graduation of its second cohort of 25 aspiring fashion entrepreneurs. This milestone concluded a transformative one-year pilot program designed to bridge the gap between creative passion and business acumen in the African fashion industry.

The program’s curriculum is described as “future-forward” and “intensive,” focusing on equipping young Africans, particularly young women and economically disadvantaged individuals, with the tools to build globally competitive and sustainable fashion businesses. The academy’s core mission is to empower these creatives, helping them transition from designers to successful entrepreneurs.

Christie Brown Academy, founded by renowned Ghanaian designer Aisha Ayensu, is redefining fashion education in Africa. With a core mission to empower young African creatives, the CBA delivers a transformative curriculum that prioritizes the business of fashion and creative design.#nairobifashionhub

— Nairobi Fashion Hub (@nairobifashionhub.bsky.social) 2025-06-27T10:02:41.039Z

A Showcase of Innovation and Identity

The highlight of the event was a vibrant graduation fashion show where the 25 graduates presented their original collections. These collections were more than just garments; they were a reflection of the participants’ personal growth, cultural identity, and deep commitment to innovation. Attendees and industry stakeholders witnessed a stunning display of creativity, with designers using a variety of materials, from repurposed denim to traditional kente fabrics, to create beautiful and impactful pieces. The runway showcased a mix of avant-garde, sustainable fashion, streetwear, and couture, positioning Ghana as a rising hub for innovative fashion production.

Bridging the Gap: The Vision of Aisha Ayensu

Aisha Ayensu, the renowned Ghanaian designer who founded the Christie Brown Academy, emphasized the academy’s crucial role in the industry. “Through the Christie Brown Academy, we are meeting these participants at the point of their needs and bridging the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship in Africa’s fashion industry,” she stated. She further explained that the academy’s goal is to not only train designers but also to build brands of excellence that reflect the essence of Africa in both appearance and structure.

“Through the Christie Brown Academy, we are meeting these participants at the point of their needs and bridging the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship in Africa’s fashion industry,” said Aisha Ayensu, Founder and Director of Christie Brown Academy.

— Nairobi Fashion Hub (@nairobifashionhub.bsky.social) 2025-06-27T10:03:32.639Z

Mastercard Foundation’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment

The partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is a cornerstone of the academy’s success. Representing the foundation, Nene Diallo, the Capacity Development and Mass Entrepreneurship Lead for Pan-African Programs, highlighted the alignment of the program with the foundation’s vision of unlocking the potential of African youth. “We are committed to investing in entrepreneurship, skills development, and dignified work for young women,” Diallo said, adding that the graduates represent the future of African innovation and the creative industry.

Seed Funding for Future Leaders

As a testament to their commitment to nurturing youth-led enterprises, the Mastercard Foundation awarded $1,000 in seed funding to three exceptional graduates to help them kickstart their fashion ventures. The recipients of this grant were:

• Barbara Clement
• Mavis Nelson
• Nancy Osei

This financial support extends beyond the graduation, offering these entrepreneurs a crucial starting point for their businesses. The academy also provides ongoing support, including access to a database of industry resources and expert personnel, to ensure their long-term success.

The event featured a graduation fashion show spotlighting the participants’ original collections which are a reflection of their personal growth, cultural identity, and commitment to innovation. The showcase positioned Ghana as a rising hub for innovative fashion production.#nairobifashionhub

— Nairobi Fashion Hub (@nairobifashionhub.bsky.social) 2025-06-27T10:04:47.183Z

Looking Ahead: A Global Force in Fashion

The Christie Brown Academy is envisioned to become Africa’s leading fashion education institution, developing global talent and contributing to the continent’s economic growth through fashion entrepreneurship. The success of this pilot program demonstrates the academy’s effectiveness in preparing a new generation of African youth to build resilient and impactful fashion brands, cementing Africa’s voice, values, and vision on the world stage.

Content courtesy of  NFH & Nueva Comms