Fashion Innovation Africa (FIA) is Nigeria’s first business conference dedicated to the fashion industry.
Not a runway. Not a trade fair. A conference — where the entire fashion value chain sits in one room with a single mandate: build the infrastructure that this industry has always deserved.
On October 22, 2026, designers, manufacturers, fabric suppliers, financiers, logistics providers, international buyers, and government officials convene at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Nigeria’s fashion industry contributes $6.1 billion to GDP and employs millions. It has produced some of the world’s most celebrated design talent. What it has lacked is the business architecture to match its creative output. FIA is that architecture.
A formalised, globally competitive African fashion industry — where creativity is matched by capital, and Nigerian designers set the standard for the continent.
To build the business infrastructure that transforms African fashion from creative potential into structured economic power.
Why FIA
Brings every part of the value chain — including fabric, raw material supply and local manufacturing — into one unified conversation for the first time.
Surfaces why fashion houses struggle to access credit, warehousing and cross-border payments, and brings banks, fund managers and DFIs into the room to solve it.
Connects Nigerian design and manufacturing directly to international buyers, global investors and diplomatic missions.
Why now
The largest economy on the continent, a young population and a design culture the world already watches. FIA exists to convert that moment into infrastructure.
My journey into fashion started with My Girlfriend’s Closet, my sustainable fashion business, born from my belief that fashion could be both stylish and more conscious. It was through that experience that I developed an even deeper appreciation for the people, stories, and possibilities within Africa’s fashion industry. This eventually led to my venture into the fashion space with the African Runway podcast, where I have had the opportunity to explore and amplify the voices, stories, and ideas shaping African fashion.
My professional journey spans over 20 years across Nigeria and internationally, covering financial accounting, auditing, compliance, strategic planning, business development, sales, marketing, and communications. Today, as the Managing Director and Founder of Stephanie John & Associates, I bring this diverse experience together to help brands find their voice, tell compelling stories, and build meaningful connections with their audiences.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with brands including PMI, Unilever, Guinness, Coca-Cola, Polaris Bank, FCMB, Access Bank, British Airways, Seplat Energy, Dell, Nokia, CNN, and Ericsson, among others.
My work has also earned recognition from prestigious institutions, including being recognised as a Nigeria Digital Public Relations Ambassador, appointed an Ambassador for Emotional Well-Being by Pride Women, and honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Brand Narrative and Strategic Messaging at Nigeria’s Most Respected CEOs.
What continues to drive me is my understanding that behind every successful brand are real people, real stories, and real experiences. My role is to connect that human element to audiences in a way that creates visibility, builds relevance, and delivers lasting value.
Backed by an advisory board of industry, finance, media and technology leaders lending their standing to the first edition.
