CEO Sleek Garments Export Ltd & ASICT | Fashion Designer | Speaker
Named one of Top 20 Global Female Business Leaders by World Bank Group's IFC
Passionate Advocate For Women’s Empowerment
Nora Bannerman is a name synonymous with the rise of African fashion and entrepreneurship, and her story is nothing short of legendary. Picture this: the vibrant streets of Accra, Ghana, where creativity meets innovation, and in the midst of it all stands Nora, a trailblazer who’s been shaping the fashion industry for over four decades.
Nora’s journey began in 1979 when she founded her first company, Sleek Fashion. Her designs weren’t just clothes; they were statements, pieces that caught the eye of African First Ladies, including the iconic Winnie Mandela. From the runways of Paris and New York to the boutiques of London, Nora’s creations became a global sensation, putting African fashion on the map. Recognized as one of the Top 20 African designers, Nora didn’t just promote fashion; she championed the beauty of African fabrics to the world. But Nora wasn’t content with just dressing the elite. She had a bigger vision—a dream to empower the youth, especially young women. In 1979, she established the Sleek Fashion Institute, an NGO dedicated to providing skills training and job opportunities, paving the way for the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs.
Fast forward to 2002, and Nora’s ambitions grew even bigger. She founded Sleek Garments Export Ltd, a company that would become a powerhouse in Ghana’s apparel industry. Her factory, a bustling hub of creativity and productivity, employs over 1,000 workers at full capacity, with 85% of them being women. Under her leadership, the company has exported thousands of garments to the US and Europe, earning recognition as one of AGOA’s success stories.
Nora’s expertise isn’t confined to fashion. She’s a master strategist, a networking genius, and a leader who’s always pushing industry boundaries. She’s founded and led the Ghana Apparel Manufacturers Association (GAMA), served as an executive of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and played pivotal roles in policy-making, business development, and strategic planning.
Her influence extends beyond her business ventures. In 2021, she was elected to the Governing Board of Development Bank Ghana (DBG), and she also serves on the boards of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED). Nora’s contributions to Ghana’s socio-economic development have been recognized time and again. She’s been honored as a Woman of Excellence, inducted into the Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame, and in 2023, named an ‘Impactful Woman.’
Even the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t slow her down. In 2023, Sleek Garments received a national award for producing millions of PPE to help Ghana fight the pandemic—a testament to Nora’s unwavering commitment to her country.
Through it all, Nora Bannerman remains a visionary leader, a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, and a creative force that continues to inspire. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of fashion to transform lives. Whether on the runway or in the boardroom, Nora’s impact is undeniable, and her legacy is one that will shape the future of African fashion for generations to come.
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