The countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics has begun, and African teams are gearing up in style!
From Sierra Leone to South Africa, countries have unveiled their Olympic kits, and we can’t get enough of them!
While big brands like Adidas, Nike, and Mr Price Sport are usual suspects, this year’s kits also feature exciting collaborations with Black-owned and smaller brands like LABRUM, Actively Black, and IGC Fashion.
These brands are bringing a fresh perspective and cultural nuances to the designs, making the kits truly special.
Below are the Olympic kits from the continent that have been released so far.
South Africa
In partnership with Mr Price, the South African clothing company, the Olympics team has launched a sleek and sophisticated kit for the upcoming games. Inspired by the beauty of South Africa, the design incorporates elements of the country’s flora, fauna, and iconic landmarks, creating a timeless and fashionable look.
The tracksuits are a stylish nod to the South African flag, with white and green outfits featuring subtle splashes of yellow and green. This design theme will also make an appearance at the opening ceremony, showcasing the team’s pride and heritage on the global stage.
Mr Price has truly outdone themselves with this design, capturing the essence of South African style and spirit.
Kenya
Team Kenya’s Olympic kits have been created by a combination of local and international brands, with mixed results. While the ceremonial kit has received criticism for its underwhelming design and lack of creativity in incorporating Kenyan heritage, the competition kit designed with Nike has salvaged some pride.
The competition kit features bold, deep red jerseys and running shorts with accents of green and white, echoing Kenya’s national colors. The running kit stands out with its vibrant sleeves emblazoned with “Kenya”, proudly showcasing the country’s flag colors. Although the design hasn’t fully hit the mark, the competition kit shows promise and will hopefully inspire the team to shine on the Olympic stage!”
Nigeria
The Nigerian contingent is looking sharp in their Olympic kits, courtesy of Actively Black, a Los Angeles-based athleisure brand. The collection features a fusion of classic tracksuits and jersey shirts with traditional Nigerian attire like senator suits and buba dresses, making a statement at the opening ceremony.
The team will sport Actively Black’s designs throughout the games, from the opening and closing ceremonies to the Olympic Village, podium, and track and field events. The minimalist yet striking designs cleverly reinterpret Nigeria’s green-white-green flag colors, incorporating fresh colorways and details without compromising the clean aesthetic.
Uganda
IGC Fashion, a Uganda-based brand, has created a showstopping Dance Sports uniform for Team Uganda. This innovative brand is known for its futuristic and sustainable approach to fashion, upcycling second-hand clothing into unique pieces.
In a move to promote local fashion and reduce environmental impact, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni banned second-hand clothing imports in 2023. But IGC Fashion was already ahead of the game, transforming discarded garments into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Olympic dance sports kit is a testament to their creativity, featuring patchwork joggers and sweatshirts in black, blue cream, and red – a vibrant reflection of the team’s spirit.
Sierra Leone
In collaboration with Adidas and LABRUM, a London-based brand founded by Sierra Leonean Foday Dumbuya, Team Sierra Leone is set to make a stylish statement at the 2024 Olympics.
The Olympics kit is a vibrant celebration of African heritage, featuring deconstructed cowrie shells – a symbol of strength and prestige – on a deep blue background, alongside the Adidas and Sierra Leonean logos.
This kit is not just stylish but also culturally significant, blending sports and lifestyle wear in a way that’s both eclectic and visually stunning.
From running kits to tracksuits, hoodies, and football shorts, every piece is a testament to thoughtful design and cultural pride.
