AFI FastrackTM is an incubator programme, with a special emphasis on the Business of Fashion. Our goal is to curate and propel emerging designers to become technically savvy and commercially minded fashion entrepreneurs who incorporate sustainability into their work.
Fastrack Programme
Programme Structure
Key Components
- Business Mentoring
- Educational Seminars
- Networking Opportunities
- Workspace
Focus Areas
- Skills Development
- Economic Development
- Sustainability
Workshops
- Business start up
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Principles of production, manufacturing and retail
AFI Fastrack 2024 Applications
At AFI, we are looking for the future talent to groom into our next headline name with the South African industry. The FastrackTM graduate selection process has been designed to let you show us if you're what we are looking for in a fashion graduate/emerging designer. Once you have been shortlisted, we will be making offers to the successful candidates for the 12-month programme where the top 5 candidates will be part of a reality series. If you feel you have what it takes, we look forward to receiving your application.
The candidates will be required to complete the online application form, given details of their work experience, qualifications and key strengths. The FastrackTM recruitment team will review the information you have provided, and if you meet the criteria we are looking for, you will be invited to the next stage of the process.
Applications for the FastrackTM 2024 programme will open in July 2023.
Our Mission
"To nurture emerging fashion designers into fashion entrepreneurs from design schools and local communities across Pan Africa, through connecting them to a global fashion network whilst encouraging to expand and maintain their brands with the assistance of AFI to contribute to economic and skills development."
The Criteria
Must be between the ages of 18 – 34 years old
Must be an African citizen with a valid ID/passport
Must have a valid fashion related qualification or 5+ years experience within the Fashion industry.
Application is free
AFI Fastrack Alumni
Shamyra Moodley
2020
Shamyra Moodley, winner of AFI FastrackTM 2020 and founder of LaaiRaani, constantly reinvents herself by collaborating with other young designers and ensuring that she practices what she preaches through her up-skilling program where she establishes sustainable employment opportunities for local women teaching them handy craftsmanship.
Sindi Mbobo
2019
Sindi Mbobo, winner of AFI FastrackTM 2019, found inspiration for his debut runway showcase in the uniforms worn by young people in the 70’s who were enforcing change into South Africa. He was awarded a cash prize of ZAR50, 000 to grow his fashion label Name Brand.
Sibusiso Molete
2016
Sibusiso ‘Buda’ Malete showcased at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and won the Fastrack Young Designer of the Year award in 2016. He has since been featured in Teen Vogue as a South African designer you need to know.
Thebe Magugu
2015
Thebe Magugu, winner of the 2015 FastrackTM Young Designer of the Year Award, has grown to become a global fashion powerhouse. In 2019 he won the LVMH Prize and his Afrocentric collections are shopped around the world.
Tuelo Nguyuza
2014
Since winning Fastrack in 2014, Tuelo Nguyuza has grown his glamourous high-end label Tuelo Nguyuza Collectiv into a globally recognised brand, featured on Black is King and worn by the influential.
Jessica Ross
2014
Jessica Ross, one of the four winners of the FastrackTM programme in 2014, received a cash prize of ZAR10 000 as well as a career-boosting internship. Since then, she has furthered her passion for fashion into fashion consulting
Nazneed Kagee
2014
Naazneen Kagee was one of three winners of the programme in 2014, received a cash injection of ZAR10 000 and a career-boosting internship. Her collection was inspired by the traditional dress of Russia.
Rich Mnisi
2014
Rich Mnisi, in 2014, won ZAR10 000 to grow his fashion label as well as a career-boosting internship. His pop culture inspired brand is known for pushing boundaries and he has since expanded into furniture design.
Eleni Labrou of Akedo
2013
AFI Young Designer of the Year in 2013, Eleni Labrou presented anaesthetic that melded a vivid colour palette with tailored silhouettes. Her flair for balancing the weird with sophistication has brought her notable success.
Kim Gush
2012
That year it was a rare event to see fashion forward men’s wear on the ramp at South African fashion shows. The 2012 FastrackTM winner Kim Gush inspired the menswear scene, and is now a business lecturer at FEDISA Fashion School.
Toki Tafeni
2011
Cape Town College of Fashion Design student ‘swept the floor’ at the inaugural FastrackTM in 2011. Thoki Tafeni also won a 6-month internship at Foschini and is now a UX & Product Designer working with the biggest brands in the world.
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