HAFW Mentorship Program seeks to connect emerging designers, graduates of fashion design schools, and talents with fashion design experts to facilitate knowledge transfer, develop future leaders, and provide every opportunity for start-up designers to have a successful and rewarding career in the fashion industry.

HAFW launched its inaugural HAFW MENTORSHIP PROGRAM with an open call in January 2021 to institutions and associations to apply for the mentorship program.  We went through the applicants and shortlisted 10 designers with the mentors to take part on this program. The final 10 designers were connected with their respective mentors for a 10 months mentorship and showcased 8 capsule collections at JAN HAFW 2022.  

HAFW with its partner Fashion Africa 254 (FA254) supported by Goethe Institute, also conducted a 6-month workshop to tie the Designers Mentorship Program into a strong international context. FA254 mentors Waridi Schrobsdorff and Kelly Konings focused on communicating the sustainability efforts and understanding their DNA. Especially focusing on encouraging ethical, equitable, inclusive and environmentally responsible practices to enrich and do its part for a sustainable African and global community.