Cardinal Counsel is proud to announce its appointment as official legal counsel and representative to the African Fashion Development Initiative (AFDI), a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing Africa’s fashion industry through strategic investment, research, and capacity-building.
As part of this mandate, Cardinal Counsel, led by Founding Partner, Bernice Asein, will provide comprehensive legal support across AFDI’s operations, including:
- Contract structuring and review for entrepreneurs, partners, and funders
- Due diligence for funding and investment opportunities
- Advisory on compliance and governance frameworks
- Legal representation in all matters relating to the initiative
- Service on the judging panel for AFDI grant applicants, ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection process
About AFDI
The African Fashion Development Initiative (AFDI) is dedicated to strengthening Africa’s fashion ecosystem by empowering emerging entrepreneurs with targeted grants, pro bono legal support, financial literacy, and business consulting.
AFDI’s mission is to:
- Foster innovation and sustainability in African fashion
- Promote women’s empowerment and youth employment
- Enhance local production and stimulate job creation
- Position African fashion for global competitiveness
- Use fashion as a tool for economic growth and cultural preservation
At AFDI, grants are more than financial support—they are an investment in the future of African fashion entrepreneurs. Each recipient benefits from comprehensive capacity-building programs, including legal guidance from Cardinal Counsel, to ensure long-term business sustainability and growth.
Cardinal Counsel’s Impact
Cardinal Counsel has already successfully guided AFDI grantees through multiple rounds of support, including Zambian brand Kuchube, led by Creative Director Lubona Abigail Chibwa, helping strengthen its legal and business foundation for regional and global growth.
This appointment builds on Cardinal Counsel’s track record as Africa’s leading fashion law firm, bridging the gap between creativity and commerce, and ensuring that African fashion businesses thrive in legally secure and investor-ready environments.
Leadership Statement
Commenting on the appointment, Bernice Asein, Founding Partner of Cardinal Counsel, said:
“We are honoured to serve as the official legal counsel to the African Fashion Development Initiative. AFDI is building a transformative platform for African fashion entrepreneurs, and we are committed to ensuring that its vision is backed by strong legal structures, transparent funding processes, and sustainable business models. Our role is not only to provide legal advice but to empower fashion entrepreneurs to build brands that can compete globally.”
Looking Ahead
With this partnership, AFDI will continue scaling its impact by providing micro-grants, pro bono legal services, business consulting, and educational resources to the next generation of African fashion leaders. Cardinal Counsel’s legal expertise ensures that these initiatives are delivered on a foundation of compliance, accountability, and innovation.
About Cardinal Counsel
Cardinal Counsel is Africa’s premier fashion law and business advisory firm, providing specialized legal services to designers, brands, investors, and creative entrepreneurs across the continent. With expertise spanning intellectual property, contracts, employment law, business structuring, and dispute resolution, Cardinal Counsel has established itself as the go-to firm for navigating the complexities of Africa’s fashion ecosystem.
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Cardinal Counsel Media Relations
Email: Info@cardinalcounsel.co
Phone: +2349052628465