Kenyan activewear brand Vivo Activewear has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with renowned Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo, marking a significant pan-African partnership in the fashion industry. The collection, titled AfroAthletica, merges Vivo’s technical performance wear with Folawiyo’s signature Ankara prints and sophisticated tailoring, creating a line that bridges athletic functionality with high fashion aesthetics. This collaboration represents one of the most substantial East-West African fashion partnerships to date and signals Vivo’s strategic expansion beyond Kenyan borders into the broader African market.
The collection features innovative fabric technology specifically designed for African climates, incorporating moisture-wicking properties, UV protection, and enhanced breathability while maintaining the vibrant colors and intricate patterns characteristic of Folawiyo’s designs. The line includes everything from high-performance leggings and sports bras to more fashion-forward pieces like track-inspired dresses and coordinated sets that transition seamlessly from workout sessions to casual social engagements. Production is being split between Vivo’s Nairobi workshop and Folawiyo’s Lagos atelier, creating a truly collaborative manufacturing process that leverages each partner’s specialized expertise while meeting the growing demand for locally produced premium activewear across Africa.
The long-term implications of this collaboration extend beyond the immediate collection to potentially reshaping how African fashion brands approach regional expansion and partnerships. By combining Vivo’s established presence in East Africa with Folawiyo’s international recognition and West African market knowledge, both brands gain access to new customer bases while demonstrating the commercial power of intra-African creative collaborations. The partnership also challenges the notion that African brands must look to European or American designers for validation, instead showcasing the strength and sophistication of design talent within the continent. As the African Continental Free Trade Area continues to reduce barriers to cross-border commerce, such collaborations could become increasingly common, fostering a more integrated African fashion industry that competes collectively in the global market while celebrating the diverse creative traditions of the continent.