The 2024 Olympics kicked off on Friday, July 26 in one of the world’s fashion capitals, Paris, France. African countries are making a powerful impact on fashion with their vibrant patterns and modern designs. They’re redefining Olympic team uniforms and drawing global attention with their innovative style.
Discover some of the eye-catching national sports kits from across the continent.
Comoros
Team Comoros made a memorable appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics in their Enda Sportswear uniforms. These specially crafted shoes, apparel, and gear showcased the vibrant spirit of the island nation. With a population of over 850,000, Comoros was celebrated for its stunning beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The uniforms captured the essence of the island’s natural beauty and cultural depth, making a notable impact on the global stage.
Djibouti
The Djibouti Judo team wore Enda Sportswear uniforms during the Paris 2024 Games, blending performance with style. The uniforms were perfectly suited to meet the athletes’ needs. Djibouti, with more than 900,000 resilient inhabitants, was known for its striking landscapes, from expansive salt flats to vast deserts, and a rich cultural legacy. The uniforms represented the nation’s distinctive character and resilience, leaving a strong impression at the international competition.
Gabon
Team Gabon donned new Enda Sportswear uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympics, featuring high-quality, sustainable, and ethically produced shoes and apparel. Gabon, a beautiful country on the Atlantic coast with over 2.3 million people, was renowned for its lush rainforests, the breathtaking Loango National Park, and its diverse wildlife. The uniforms reflected Gabon’s commitment to conservation and cultural heritage, celebrating its natural splendor on the world stage.
Kenya
Athletic footwear and apparel corporation Nike, on Thursday, unveiled an array of products for the Kenyan track and field teams.Among the nations the organization will outfit in the global games include: Kenya, U.S.A, Canada, Germany, China and Uganda.
Several athletes including Kenya’s duo of Faith Kipyegon and Eliud Kipchoge were present at the unveiling ceremony, where they paraded the new-look uniforms alongside other nations like the USA, Canada, China, Germany and Uganda that the organization designed for.
Liberia
American-Liberian designer Telfar Clemens is the official designer of Team Liberia for the second time, having dressed the national team at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. This year, Clemens crafted black, jersey-style capes for the athletes, with the neckline shaped to look like the map of Africa, paying homage to the continent.
Nigeria
Team Nigeria will be sporting uniforms designed by Actively Black, an athleisure brand known for its commitment to athletic utility and cultural narrative. Founded by Lanny Smith, a former professional basketball player, the brand has made a name for itself by fusing performance wear with a deep respect for African heritage and history. Smith tapped Portland-based design studio Amen, Amen. to create garments that go beyond fabric and into artistic commentary. The resulting uniforms create a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, symbolizing Nigeria’s journey as a nation that honors its past while striving toward a future filled with promise and potential
Sierra Leone
Designed by LABRUM founder and proud Sierra Leonean, Foday Dumbuya, the collection features iconography that reflects Dumbuya’s heritage, elevating the design beyond traditional sportswear.
Designed with a vibrant blue and white design emblazoned with a reimagined cowrie shell, this same shell was once a coveted currency symbolizing wealth and prestige in African history.
South Africa
The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) have teamed up with Mr Price Sport to create the Olympic kit—Maxed Elite for the Olympic and Paralympic legends as they take on the French capital.
South Sudan
The South Sudanese team was one of two nations to qualify for basketball at this year’s Olympics. The African nation made a striking statement at the opening ceremony with their distinctive all-black attire accented with gold hardware and details of the South Sudanese flag—designed by Moses Turahirwa, Rwandan, fashion designer, creative director, and founder of Moshions.
Uganda
Ugandan streetwear label IGC Fashion was contracted by the French Embassy under Uganda’s FSPI program.
