Lagos Fashion Week Wins £1M Earthshot Prize for Building a Waste-Free Fashion World
In a landmark achievement for African fashion, Lagos Fashion Week (LFW) has been awarded the 2025 Earthshot Prize in the “Build a Waste-Free World” category, taking home £1 million to expand its sustainability agenda.
Founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele, LFW has evolved into more than a showcase for designers, it’s now a movement rooted in circular design, ethical sourcing, and eco-innovation. According to the Earthshot Prize, designers participating in the event must demonstrate responsible production practices from natural dyeing and waste reduction to locally sourced materials. (The Earthshot Prize)
The Earthshot Prize jury highlighted LFW’s systemic approach to transforming fashion waste into opportunity, noting its efforts to build a circular fashion hub in Lagos and replicate the model in other African cities like Accra, Kigali, and Dakar. (The49thStreet) With this funding, LFW plans to scale up artisan training, textile recycling programs, and community-based innovation.
Lagos’ win carries deep symbolic weight. Not only is it the only African winner among this year’s Earthshot Prize laureates, but it also underscores the growing influence of African fashion in the global sustainability space. (The Earthshot Prize) Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has publicly congratulated Akerele, calling the honor a testament to “audacity of vision and purpose.” (State House)
For LFW, the award validates years of work. The platform has long championed circular fashion through programs like Green Access and Woven Threads, which emphasize upcycling, craftsmanship, and local production. (BellaNaija) As noted by Akerele, the prize is not just for LFW but for the entire community of African designers, artisans, and young creatives. (The Earthshot Prize)
Beyond the win, the recognition comes at a pivotal moment. The fashion industry globally is grappling with overproduction, low garment recycling rates, and environmental degradation. (The Earthshot Prize) By demonstrating that sustainable fashion can be economically viable and culturally rooted, Lagos Fashion Week is positioning itself as a global model for circular design.
Why This Matters
- Sustainable Leadership: LFW’s win shows that African fashion can lead on environmental innovation.
- Economic Impact: The £1 million will not just fund projects; it will uplift communities, artisans, and local circular economies.
- Cultural Relevance: By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability, LFW reinforces the role of African identity in global fashion futures.
- Global Recognition: The Earthshot Prize amplifies LFW’s voice internationally, opening doors for partnerships, investment, and replication across other African fashion hubs.
