Meet Kibonen Nfi

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kibonen Nfi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kibonen, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My experiences in life have left me with no option but to be resilient. I am a perfectionist and in all I do I ask myself what is the best version or the highest point of this; that’s what I go for and I know it will never be a walk in the park; greatness comes with so many sacrifices. Also i come from a place where I am literarily charting parts, the thought that I have so many people looking up to me makes me resilient to all my challenges and really look at these challenges as steps to the vision.
I am always ready to pivot and keep moving. That is all I know how to do;

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am Kibonen Nfi, a fashion designer and entrepreneur passionate about redefining African fashion on the global stage. My journey started with a deep desire to celebrate and modernize traditional Cameroonian fabrics like Toghu and Nduop, transforming them into contemporary, globally relevant designs. Through my brand, Kibonen, I fuse African heritage with innovation, creating pieces that resonate with both cultural authenticity and international appeal.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to tell stories through fashion—stories of identity, craftsmanship, and African creativity. I believe fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy and economic empowerment. Over the years, I have showcased at New York Fashion Week sponsored by Afreximbank CANEX, collaborated with industry leaders, and mentored young creatives, all while pushing the boundaries of what African fashion can be.
Currently, my focus is on expanding the Kibonen brand through retail partnerships, e-commerce, while offering customizable fashion experiences where customers can choose fabrics, colors, and styles to make each piece uniquely theirs. I am also working on launching a boutique at Douala Mall in Cameroon, marking a significant milestone in bringing high-quality African fashion first to the people and to a broader market.
Additionally, I’m deeply committed to growing the fashion industry in Cameroon and beyond, which is why I co-founded the African Fashion Council. Through this platform, I aim to help build a structured fashion industry for Africa and create more opportunities for African designers to scale and access international markets.
A major highlight of this year has been my mentorship moment where I engaged with legendary designer Diane von Fürstenberg, a personal inspiration whose work shaped my early passion for fashion. Currently looking at how best we could align our vision to hers in my vision of elevating African textiles and craftsmanship globally.
I’m excited about the journey ahead, and I look forward to continuing to build a legacy that not only celebrates African fashion but also paves the way for future generations of designers.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Tenacity– The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with highs and lows, and resilience has been my greatest asset. From financial struggles, betrayals, lack or Human Resources, lack of support to industry gatekeeping; I’ve faced numerous challenges that could have made me quit. My advice: develop a mindset that sees obstacles as stepping stones. Stay adaptable, learn from setbacks, and never lose sight of your vision.
Storytelling & Branding – Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s about telling a story. Understanding how to communicate my brand’s unique identity—rooted in African heritage but designed for a global audience—has been key to my success. For those starting out, focus on defining your brand’s essence and communicating it consistently across all platforms. A strong story attracts the right audience and opportunities.

Networking & Relationship Building – No one succeeds alone. From mentors to collaborators, the right relationships have opened doors I never imagined. Whether it’s meeting Diane von Fürstenberg or securing opportunities at New York Fashion Week or meeting with RESONANCE Fashion tech company, connections have played a crucial role in my growth. My advice: be intentional about networking, seek mentorship, and build genuine relationships. Invest in people as much as you invest in your craft.
Mastering these three areas will not only set you apart but also sustain you in the long run.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Honestly just myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kibonen.com
• Instagram: kibonenofficial
• Facebook: Kibonen
• Linkedin: Kibonen.Nfi
• Twitter: Kibonen
• Youtube: K.i.b.o.n.e.n
• Yelp: Kibonen
• Soundcloud: none
• Other: tiktok – Kibonen
  Pinterest – Kibonen

Image Credits

Photos – Lam Lai
Styling – Ana Kabwe
Model – Lianna
Model – Ocean
Model – Jordan Wright