Accelerator
The LAGOS x PARIS accelerator is a one-year training and mentoring programme in Lagos, Nigeria, intended for high-potential Nigerian brands (fashion & design), selected annually by a professional jury.
[ 1 ] Offers both group and individual sessions, available remotely and in-person, led by top experts from France and Nigeria, and tailored to the unique needs of each brand.
[ 2 ] Equips creatives with the tools, skills and fundings needed to achieve sustainable and incremental financial growth for their companies.
[ 3 ] Connects brands with industry stakeholders and helps propel them into the international market.
APPROACH
Our programme offers a tailored approach to brand development, beginning with an in-depth audit to thoroughly understand each brand's unique needs and challenges. This is followed by a series of customized training phases designed to support the brand's growth at every stage. The journey culminates in an export project, providing brands that are ready with the tools and strategies to successfully expand into international markets.
1
360-degree audit
18 - 29 November 2024
A 360° audit by various experts covering sales strategies, branding, production, finance, legal, HR, and sustainability, designed to provide each brand with recommendations that will guide the program's direction.
In-person in Lagos
2
Structuring Phase
December 2024 - January 2025
Brands will review and refine their fundamentals in each area, strengthening their knowledge and overall structure of their brands, and focusing on the most pressing needs, following the audit recommendations.
Digital and in-person in Lagos
3
Development Phase
February - April 2025
Brands will develop new ideas and practical tools to enhance and scale their businesses, guided personally by experienced tutors. This tailored support will help them refine strategies and achieve sustainable growth.
Digital and in-person in Lagos
6
Exportation
September - October 2025
Chosen brands will have the chance to showcase their products at international events in Paris, such as Who's Next, Première Classe, or Paris Design Week, to attract new buyers, with guidance from our mentors.
In Paris
5
Investment Readiness Module
July 2025
This module will focus on equipping brands with essential tools and crafting a compelling pitch to effectively approach potential investors. The aim is to prepare brands to confidently present their value propositions.
Digital and in-person in Lagos
4
Operational Phase
May - June 2025
This phase will center on planning new strategies, setting clear goals, and milestones. Brands will create a structured roadmap with actionable steps, ensuring each strategy is on track for successful execution.
Digital and in-person in Lagos
Deliverables
All year
Throughout the year, participating brands will work with the experts to refine or produce the following deliverables:
Brand Book | Press Kit | Action Plan | Business Plan | Sustainable Business Strategy
STRUCTURING ⮕ DEVELOPING ⮕ OPERATING ⮕ EXPORTING
STRUCTURING ⮕ DEVELOPING ⮕ OPERATING ⮕ EXPORTING
EXPERTS
BRANDS
Discover the brands from our second cohort (2024-2025) below
and the Alumni brands by clicking here.
Founded in 2018, Pepper Row has rapidly grown with delicate minimal silhouettes and harmonious sensibility of artistic femininity details in exceptional quality. The brand values the craftsmanship and the independently produced resulting in a unique and one of a kind pieces from the past that can be worn today.
Founded by Omafume Niemogha
AABOUX is a luxury leather brand founded in 2017. The brand is renowned for its limited-edition leather bags, handcrafted in Lagos, Nigeria, by third-generation artisans. What sets the brand apart is its specialised near stitch-less construction technique and the use of globally and ethically sourced skins, including exotic leathers like pony, textured, embossed, and printed designs.
Founded by Zainab Aliyu
Founded by Dolapo Morgan
Rooted in faith, inspired by travels across Africa, and enriched by Nigerian culture, Refine’s designs reflect a fusion of heritage and modernity. Its creations draw from the bold style and rich traditions of Nigeria, blending timeless art techniques with meticulous craftsmanship to cater to the modern woman.
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NYA celebrates heritage by merging French tambour embroidery with African craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, showcasing quality, style, and attention to detail with carefully selected fabrics and finishes. NYA embodies the elegance and sophistication of the Nigerian woman, encouraging women worldwide to embrace their unique style.
Founded by Oyinda Ahmed
PITH means two things: one is ‘Essence’ and another definition of PITH is the part of a plant that helps to transport nutrients throughout the plant and then store the nutrients within its cells. So PITH was created first with the idea of tapping into the essence of being young, creative, wild, innovative, right now as an African in Africa and in the diaspora.
Founded by Cosmas Ojemen, Nez Anazodon Adedayo Laketu
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Established in 2019, HUE by Idera Atelier is a contemporary fashion brand operating out of Lagos, Nigeria. We cater to an exclusive style coterie by combining exquisite fabrics, first-class tailoring, and exceptional finesse and finish. The HUE by Idera Atelier is a vessel of full expression and a continuous identity resonance of IDERA.
Founded by Idera Oyeneyin
Y'WANDELAG seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities to craft distinctive pieces. The brand aims to bridge the gap between African aesthetics, local garment production, and a global clientele, striving to create versatile pieces that transcend mere clothing, resembling wearable art tailored for the modern woman's everyday life.
Founded by Fatima Lagundoye
Shem Ezemma is the self-taught designer and creative director behind the brand SHEM PARONELLI. He is a seasoned and experienced craftsman and design artist with a unique aesthetic sensibility, vision and an exquisite skill at excellent design executions and presentation.
Founded by Shem Ezemma
The name Babayo originates from the ancient nomadic tribe of the Fula people, who consider themselves the most beautiful people on this earth. With a vision to become a dominant player and iconic brand in the luxury industry, Babayo is a mid – high end clothing line made to create the perfect synergy between beauty, culture and fashion.
Founded by Aisha Shehu
Founded by Fatima Aliyu
The name Aminda embodies the brand's essence - "Aminda" is derived from "ami," meaning "to love," and "-inda," signifying "deserving of." Aminda celebrates the modern woman - confident, classy, and always ready to make a statement. Its mission to provide outfits that not only enhance the client's natural elegance but also reflect her vibrant personality.