As the 2024 Olympics in Paris approach, anticipation is building not only for the sporting events but also for the unveiling of the athletes’ kits. This year, several African countries have showcased stunning designs, blending functionality with cultural significance. Here’s a look at some of the best Olympic kits from African nations for the 2024 games.
Morocco
Team Morocco’s Olympic kit is a collaboration between the Moroccan Olympic Committee and Spanish sportswear company Kelme. The collection includes everything from jerseys to tracksuits and shoes. Notably, Moroccan designer Ali Drissi crafted a sophisticated opening ceremony ensemble featuring a beige jacket adorned with a green star and stylish red pants. These designs combine modern athletic wear with Moroccan cultural elements, creating a unique and eye-catching look.
Egypt
Egypt’s athletes will be outfitted in custom-made attire by the renowned Egyptian fashion house, Concrete. Designed by Italian art director Ettore Veronese, these kits utilize light, fancy fabrics ideal for Paris’s summer weather and include premium organic Egyptian cotton T-shirts. Concrete’s attention to detail and high-quality materials ensure that Team Egypt will look and feel their best during the competition.
South Africa
In collaboration with South African clothing company Mr Price, Team South Africa’s Olympic kit features a sleek, minimalist design inspired by the country’s rich flora, fauna, and famous landmarks. The timeless style of these kits ensures that they will remain fashionable for years to come, highlighting South Africa’s natural beauty and heritage.
Kenya
Team Kenya’s Olympic kits are the result of collaborations with both local and international brands. While their ceremonial kit has faced criticism for its design, the competition kit created in partnership with Nike has received more favorable reviews. The Nike-designed kits combine performance technology with Kenyan cultural elements, ensuring that athletes are well-equipped for their events.
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Nigeria
Nigeria’s Olympic team will be dressed by Actively Black, a Los Angeles-based athleisure brand. The collection includes tracksuits, jersey shirts, and traditional Nigerian garments like senator suits and buba dresses for the opening ceremony. Actively Black’s designs will be showcased during the opening and closing ceremonies, in the Olympic Village, on the podium, and in track and field competitions, representing a fusion of modern athleisure and Nigerian tradition.
Uganda
Team Uganda’s Olympic kit, particularly their Dance Sports uniform, is created by the Ugandan brand IGC Fashion. Known for its sustainable approach, IGC Fashion has upcycled second-hand jogging pants and hoodies to create joggers and hoodies for the team. This innovative and eco-friendly approach sets a new standard for sportswear, emphasizing sustainability alongside performance.
Sierra Leone
In partnership with Adidas and LABRUM, a London-based brand owned by Sierra Leonean designer Foday Dumbuya, Team Sierra Leone’s kit for the 2024 Olympics is both eclectic and visually striking. Dumbuya’s designs incorporate numerous cultural details from his African heritage, resulting in a collection that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
Conclusion
The 2024 Olympics will not only be a showcase of athletic prowess but also a celebration of cultural diversity and creativity in sportswear design. African countries have partnered with both renowned and emerging brands to create Olympic kits that are functional, stylish, and culturally significant. These designs highlight the unique heritage of each nation while ensuring that athletes can perform at their best. As we look forward to the games, the stunning kits from African nations will undoubtedly be a highlight of the event.
