IyeOgé: Africa’s First AI-Driven Luxury Fashion E-Commerce Platform to Launch in September

A new chapter in African fashion is about to unfold as IyeOgé, an artificial intelligence-powered luxury fashion e-commerce platform, prepares for its official launch this September.

Described as the first of its kind in Africa, the platform promises to merge cutting-edge technology with the richness of African heritage, offering a global stage for the continent’s most exceptional designers and artisans.

Founded by Nigerian-American creative entrepreneur and technologist Iziegbe “Zig” Okungbowa, IyeOgé aims to address a longstanding gap in the African fashion ecosystem: the absence of a dedicated, world-class digital infrastructure that elevates African design to the level of global luxury brands.

The platform’s name, drawn from Edo and Yoruba cultural expressions, embodies elegance, sophistication, and timeless beauty.

Okungbowa said the idea was born from the desire to give African fashion the access, prestige, and storytelling it deserves.

“We’ve always had the talent, the craftsmanship, the stories,” she explained. “What’s been missing is the infrastructure to package it and present it to the world in a way that reflects our worth.

“IyeOgé is my answer to that — it’s about access and elevation, bringing Africa’s finest to the forefront with the same level of prestige and precision as any global fashion house.”

The platform will be highly curated, featuring designers chosen for their exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment to ethical production. It will also leverage AI technology to deliver personalised shopping experiences, ensuring that each customer encounter reflects the uniqueness of African fashion and the cultural stories behind each piece.

Okungbowa described IyeOgé as “more than a marketplace,” positioning it instead as a luxury ecosystem that connects African talent with fashion-conscious audiences worldwide, particularly within the African Diaspora. “We want to show the world that African fashion is not niche — it’s necessary. It’s the future. And it deserves a seat at the table, on its own terms,” she said.

At its launch, IyeOgé is expected to feature a select roster of top-tier designers and artisans, offering everything from ready-to-wear collections to bespoke luxury items. With its blend of innovation, heritage, and global ambition, the platform is set to redefine how African fashion is perceived and consumed, both on the continent and internationally.

If successful, IyeOgé could become a pivotal player in positioning African fashion as a dominant force in the global luxury market, while also creating a sustainable digital infrastructure for designers across the continent.