About the Fashion Law Institute
Shaping the Legal Future of Fashion in Africa.
The Fashion Law Institute is Africa’s first legal, educational, and policy-centered platform dedicated to the fashion and creative industries. Founded with a bold vision to bridge the gap between law and fashion, we are building a continent-wide ecosystem where designers, startups, legal professionals, and industry leaders thrive through informed legal guidance and strategic support.
We exist to fill a critical gap: to equip fashion creatives and businesses across Africa with the legal tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. We are not just a think tank—we are a movement committed to transforming how the creative economy engages with the law, policy, and sustainable growth.
Our Story
What started as a bold vision to make the law more accessible to creatives has grown into a Pan-African institute working at the forefront of legal empowerment for the fashion industry.
From legal clinics to international conferences, we champion the legal recognition, protection, and advancement of fashion entrepreneurs, designers, and the next generation of legal minds. Through a hybrid approach combining legal support, education, research, and advocacy, we’re building a new narrative for African fashion—one that is structured, protected, and future-ready.
Our Mission
To advance legal education, access to justice, and policy innovation for Africa’s fashion and creative industries by empowering creatives, training lawyers, and shaping public policy.
Our Vision
A legally empowered African fashion ecosystem where law fuels creativity, safeguards innovation, and drives inclusive economic transformation.
Focus Areas
What We Do
Legal Support & Advisory
Free and affordable legal services for fashion entrepreneurs and businesses—from IP registration to contracts and compliance.
Education & Talent Development
Masterclasses, fellowships, and mentorships that prepare lawyers to serve the fashion and creative industries.
Research & Policy Advocacy
We publish reports, policy briefs, and frameworks to inform lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders.
Events & Public Engagement
From our annual Fashion Law & Business Conference (FLBC) to IP clinics and DEI forums—we create spaces that spark dialogue and action.
Meet the Team
Driving Legal Innovation for Africa’s Fashion Ecosystem
A team of lawyers, creatives, and strategic advisors driving innovation across legal, media, and business operations.
Bernice Asein
Executive Director
Founder of the Fashion Law Institute and Cardinal Counsel, Bernice is a pioneer at the intersection of law, fashion, and innovation in Africa. She is a recognized expert in fashion law, startup advisory, and intellectual property strategy.
Anita Asein
Director of Finance & Brand Investment
Fashion business strategist and accessible finance advisor. She leads initiatives focused on funding fashion ventures, investor readiness, and creative business sustainability.
Samuel Ekpemede
Director of External Relations
Samuel leads strategic partnerships at the Institute. He manages collaborations with industry stakeholders, legal experts, and creative businesses to strengthen the Institute’s reach and impact.
Ogundipe Olayinka
Sustainability & Policy Lead
Leads research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement on sustainability in African fashion, driving conversations on circularity, EPR, and green fashion law.
Eleojo Unwuchola
Programs & Projects Lead
Oversees key programs and legal support projects. With hands-on experience in contract drafting and regulatory compliance, she ensures practical legal guidance for creatives.
Grace Efiong
Secretary FLIAfrica
Contributes to program design, research, and advisory work on fashion law. Supports IP protection, business structuring, with a strong focus on startups and creative founders.
Abayomi Olusegun
Partnerships Lead
Supports clients in the creative industries with legal structuring, contract negotiation, and IP protection. His cross-sector expertise helps brands navigate the business side of fashion.
Rejoice Ebhodaghe
Associate, Digital Media & Comms
Leads digital communications at the Institute, translating complex legal topics into clear, relatable content. She supports legal awareness campaigns across all digital platforms.
Dawn Osiomwan
Of Counsel, Compliance & Strategy
Senior advisor on corporate compliance, tax law, and regulatory planning. Provides high-level legal support to startups, NGOs, and creative businesses across Africa.
Roseline Ejodamen Isibor
Comms & Community Engagement
Supports strategic communications, brand storytelling, and community engagement. Plays a key role in connecting our mission with the wider fashion and legal community.
Kélicia Massala
Managing Editor
Journal of African Fashion Law, Policy & Innovation
Imaobong Ekwere
Lead
Beauty Law Africa
Research & Policy Team
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Osamudiamen Gift E.
Research and Policy Lead
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Oyintare Youdeowei
Research and Policy Associate
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Mpoetsi Regina Mohale
Research and Policy Associate
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Robert Byaruhanga
Research and Policy Associate
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Shanice Akinyi
Research and Policy Associate
Country Representatives
- Jennifer Esi Spio — Ghana
- Dennis Akwaboah — Ghana
- Dilys Naadu Addico — Ghana
- Natasha Mashonganyika — Zimbabwe
- Sandra Djoko-Moyo — Cameroon
- Esaya Daniel — Cameroon
- Puseletso Khutlang — Lesotho
- Sandra Machinjili — Malawi
- Mandiza Nzimande — South Africa
- Bethlehem Getaneh — Ethiopia
- Stacy Sang — Kenya
- Mitchel Kakai — Kenya
- Hilda Wamono — Uganda
State Representatives
- Blessing Sam-Dike Rivers State
- Irinen O. Afen FCT, Abuja
- Adefowoke Onikosi-Ponle Lagos State
- Ajose Esther Adenike Osun State
- Ene-Obong Affiong Rivers State
- Ebunoluwa Tomison Okoduwa Oyo State
- George-Omoruyi Uyiosariema Lois Edo State
African Ombuds and Dispute Resolution Centre
Theresa Osime Onyido
Head of Centre
Advisory Board (Coming Soon)
Our board will feature cross-sector leaders—from academia to fashion design, international law to public policy—who guide our strategic direction and deepen our industry relevance.
Watch this space.
Partners & Supporters
We’re grateful for the collaborators and allies who believe in our mission and fuel our impact. Whether through funding, technical support, or collaborative programming, their contributions move us closer to a stronger fashion legal ecosystem.
The Big Picture
Why It Matters
The fashion industry contributes billions to Africa’s economy—yet many operate without contracts, protections, or policies. We’re here to change that. With every designer we support, every lawyer we train, and every policy we shape, we move one step closer to a more just and sustainable creative economy.
Join the Movement
Are you a designer, lawyer, policy maker, donor, or creative ally? Let’s work together to build the future of fashion law in Africa.