Nigerian fashion-tech startup Vazzel is on a mission to digitise Africa’s fashion economy through AI and inclusive commerce tools.
Founded in 2024 by Mayowa Akande and Bolaji Wahab, Vazzel is an AI-powered fashion marketplace that enables fashion vendors and designers to launch virtual storefronts where they can sell clothing, hair, bags, and accessories.
Customers benefit from a seamless shopping experience supported by an AI-perfect sizing feature that generates accurate body measurements from photos, reducing sizing errors and product returns.
“The market lacked a unified, tech-forward platform tailored for fashion vendors, especially in emerging markets, that also solves the prevalent issue of sizing in online fashion retail,” Akande told Disrupt Africa.
“Vazzel differentiates itself through its AI sizing tool, local vendor focus, and simplified onboarding. This closes the gap between e-commerce infrastructure and body-personalized shopping experiences.”
Currently bootstrapped, Vazzel has already built and deployed a functional MVP, secured over 500 vendor sign-ups, and run a successful beta test in March, It is now set for full launch next month, and is currently exploring funding and strategic partnerships to scale.
“The response has been strong, with over 500 vendors joining the waitlist through digital marketing and outreach campaigns. Our March beta test provided valuable insights from active vendors, and several vendors are already preparing their inventory for the public launch,” said Akande.
Vazzel currently operates in Nigeria, targeting local fashion entrepreneurs and creatives.
“Post-launch, we aim to expand into other African countries and diaspora communities in the UK, Europe, and the US who seek culturally relevant fashion with modern digital experiences,” said Akande.
Vazzel employs a multi-stream revenue model, which includes commission-based sales, premium subscriptions, and sponsored listings.
“Revenue generation will commence officially at launch. Our current phase has focused on vendor acquisition and refining the platform through beta feedback to ensure strong product-market fit,” said Akande.
