Effizzie Magazine Top Rated African Models of 2025

Fashion Page Editor

Nwadibe Mabel

 

 

 

 

Nyagua Ruea (South Sudanese)

A rising superstar, Nyagua debuted on the cover of British Vogue and has since walked for fashion houses like Saint Laurent, Valentino, Givenchy, and Moschino

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Malika Louback (Djiboutian‑French)

The first Djiboutian to grace Vogue France covers, Malika pairs her modeling credentials with a degree in engineering and is signed with IMGs across Paris, Milan, and New York

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Akon Changkou (South Sudanese‑Australian)

Now ranked among the top 50 by Models.com, Akon has fronted covers of British and French Vogue, and appears frequently in Louis Vuitton campaigns

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Sabah Koj (South Sudanese‑Australian)

Renowned as the first African model to open a runway in Australia, Sabah has walked for major brands such as Armani, Gucci, Burberry, Mugler, and Balmain

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Amilna Estêvão (Angolan)

Scouted via Elite Model Look, Amilna has repeatedly walked for Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga, Fendi, and more—an enduring force since her early career breakthrough

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Lebo Malope (South African)

At just 20, Lebo alongside his brother have commanded runways for Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, and YSL, emerging as top male model stars

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New Faces & High-Flying Talent

• Mayowa Nicholas (Nigeria): Broke through as the first Nigerian on Dolce & Gabbana’s runway. Since winning Elite Model Look Nigeria, she’s featured in campaigns for Vogue, Calvin Klein, and walked for Balmain & Victoria’s Secret

• Anok Yai (Sudanese-born): The historic Prada opener and frequent Vogue cover star—her presence dominates luxury labels like Chanel, Versace, and Fendi

• Adut Akech (South Sudanese‑Australian): Fresh from closing Chanel couture and gracing magazine covers globally, she’s become a cornerstone of diversity in high fashion

• Halima Aden (Somali‑American): The first hijab-wearing supermodel on international runways, including Alberta Ferretti and Max Mara, breaking barriers for modest fashion

• Adwoa Aboah (Ghanaian‑British): Famed for her unique look, advocacy work, and runway appearances for Dior and Chanel—she’s as influential off the runway as on it

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 Why 2025 Is Their Moment

• Representation through visibility: African and Afro-descendant models are increasingly opening couture shows and dominating fashion covers.

• Global demand: Brands like Gucci, Dior, Prada, and Louis Vuitton are actively casting models from diverse African backgrounds.

• Social impact: Many of these models aren’t just faces—they’re activists, engineers, and entrepreneurs breaking stereotypes and championing causes.

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