The Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), with support from Afreximbank, has launched the African Sportswear Design Competition 2025, offering African designers the chance to showcase their creativity through football-inspired collections. The winning brand will receive a $30,000 prize along with global exposure for its work.
The initiative aims to highlight the innovation, cultural storytelling, and modern aesthetics of African design while creating functional sportswear suitable for professional football environments. Entries must include a full collection consisting of jerseys, shorts, track pants, a hoodie, socks, and headwear.
Designs are expected to reflect African identity through patterns, colours, or motifs while balancing performance standards with global market appeal. Applicants are required to submit illustrations, technical drawings, and a design narrative explaining the inspiration and cultural relevance behind their collection.
The competition is open to both emerging and established African designers, as well as those of African descent worldwide. The deadline for submissions is 28 September 2025, with applications to be sent to [email protected].
The contest forms part of CANEX’s broader agenda to strengthen Africa’s creative industries, offering platforms for visibility, investment, and global collaboration.
