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The Kenyan Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, has recognised the Africa’s Next Supermodel initiative and African Fashion Week project founded by Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and former beauty queen Joan Okorodudu.
The recognition was announced in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of efforts linked to fashion, tourism, culture and opportunities for young people in the creative industry.
Okorodudu, who represented Nigeria at the Olympics and was first runner-up at the Miss Nigeria pageant in 1981, has been involved in fashion and modelling for several decades.
She is also the founder of ISIS Models Africa and Africa’s Next Supermodel, initiatives focused on identifying and developing models from across Africa.
Speaking on the recognition, Okorodudu said it was an acknowledgement of the opportunities that could be created for young African talents.
“This recognition is not just about me or Africa’s Next Supermodel. It is about every young African girl and boy who dreams of having an opportunity to compete on the global stage. We have always believed that African talent can stand confidently alongside the best anywhere in the world.
“Kenya has provided an important platform for us to continue building that dream. Fashion, tourism and culture are interconnected, and we believe Africa can use its creative industry to tell a powerful new story about the continent.”
Okorodudu’s career in fashion has included collaborations aimed at providing African designers and models with international exposure.
In 2014, she launched the Vogue Talents for Africa initiative in partnership with Vogue Italia through her Nigerian company, International Business Consortium Nigeria Limited.
She also served on the jury that selected South African designer Laduma Maxhosa as the winner of the initiative.
Okorodudu has received other recognitions for her work in fashion and youth empowerment, including the New African Woman Award in Arts & Culture in 2017.
She also received a Lifetime Presidential Award associated with former United States President Joe Biden in 2024.
The latest recognition in Kenya comes as African countries continue to explore the creative industry as a means of supporting employment, tourism, cultural exchange and opportunities for young people.
Okorodudu said stronger collaboration among governments, private organisations and creative industry stakeholders would be necessary to expand opportunities for African talents.
“Africa has the talent, the culture, the creativity and the stories. What we need are stronger platforms, partnerships and institutions capable of taking these assets to the world. This recognition encourages us to keep building those platforms and opening doors for the next generation.”
