The Programs
A discovery engine, a curated marketplace, catalytic capital, a mentorship community, and a calendar of signature events — working as one system.
Flagship Intake
A structured, public open call for Africa’s most compelling creative brands to apply, receive mentoring, and access seed capital. It is not a competition for recognition — it is a commercial opportunity with tangible benefits.
The inaugural Lagos edition drew 108 applications. After evaluation against four pillars, 20 brands pitched live on Lagos Pitch Day, and 4 brands were selected for the U.S. marketplace.
Eligible Categories
Open to both early-stage creators with strong stories and established brands ready to scale.
Quality of make, materials, finish, and consistency — a signal of durability.
Clarity and strength of the brand narrative — a signal of marketability.
Authentic cultural significance and identity — a signal of distinctiveness.
Pricing, capacity, and logistics — a signal of export-readiness.
Signature Events
Two flagship experiences raise capital, build cultural gravity, and connect African brands to the U.S. market.
A single evening of celebration and capital-raising: a runway show, a live auction, an on-site live marketplace, a recap of the first Open Door, the unveiling of a bigger permanent St. Louis marketplace, dinner, and a music performance.
An invitation-led table featuring the top iconic African brands in the U.S. — exclusivity and depth to complement the Gala’s scale. The current edition is Dinner, Dress & Dialogue with Ejiro Amos Tafiri.
Revenue
Where curation becomes revenue — spanning the physical St. Louis concept store and a curated U.S.-facing online storefront. Placement is a benefit of selection, not a paid slot, which is what makes the Zeeoma shelf a trust signal for buyers.
Capacity
The community layer makes the commercial layer durable. Beyond a single listing or grant, members are equipped with the business acumen, ethical grounding, and global exposure needed to keep selling.
Ready to Apply?
Join the Community tier now to be first in line when the next edition opens.
Join the Collective