Opened on the theme « Artificial Intelligence at the Service of Fashion », the 16th edition of the Fashion and Design Careers Forum closed on June 27 with a grand fashion show organized by the Cameroon Fashion Designers Center (CCMC). The event, held in Yaoundé, honored young designers, rising stars and established talents from the Cameroonian and African scene.
The curtain fell on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Yaoundé on the 16th edition of the Fashion and Design Careers Forum, with a grand closing show orchestrated by the Cameroon Fashion Designers Center (CCMC). The event highlighted the dynamism of the African creative scene, showcasing both emerging and established talents from the continent. Under the banner of creativity and artificial intelligence, the evening brought together fashion professionals, institutional partners, and distinguished guests, witnessing a collective drive toward innovative and assertive African fashion.
“The importance of this great evening is to show that fashion is an important link in culture. It is very important. You have seen, these are young people who believe, these are talented young people, these are young people who dream and through the CCMC, the forum for fashion and design professions, we give these young people the opportunity to dream, to believe because if Mr. Iman Ayissi was able to be today the only African, Cameroonian registered in the calendar of the fashion week in Paris, it is possible that a second African, a Cameroonian, can still do it.”
Alfred Guillaume Azombo, Diplomat specializing in international affairs – Cameroun
The ceremony also recognized designers with unique styles. Hamadou Mana Djam was awarded the prestigious 2025 Designer Talent Prize, while the jury’s favorite prize was awarded to Cécile Bela. Committed to sustainable fashion, Sodetou Mefire Mbombo received the Envirofest International NGO award, which recognizes environmentally friendly practices. The jury also praised the artistic mastery of Carole Tala and Cabrel Pouowo, whose work demonstrates accomplished technique and contemporary aesthetics.
“My collection is called innovation, which is Hausa, Zamani, meaning innovation. That’s why you’ll see jackets with veils in my collection and jackets with floral details, to encourage certain people in style to consume certain clothes without leaving their comfort zone.”
Alfred Guillaume Azombo, Diplomat specializing in international affairs – Cameroun
The fashion show was structured around three powerful sequences. At the opening, young designers incubated at the CCMC presented innovative collections, demonstrating a training that combines technical rigor and creative boldness. Former winners of the forum then took over, reaffirming their expertise through creations imbued with African identity. At the closing, guest designers delivered bold pieces, combining modern cuts, rich textiles, and cultural narrative. This annual event thus stands out as a catalyst for African creative industries, focused on excellence and international reach.
