The First Lady: Fusing elegance and power

In the world of politics, a first lady’s image is often scrutinised as much as her husband’s policies.

This is especially true in Africa, where first ladies wield soft power through their style choices, merging tradition with modernity and using fashion as a tool for diplomacy, empowerment, and cultural pride.

Whether through their embrace of African fabrics, their selection of local designers, or their carefully curated wardrobes that blend contemporary fashion with heritage, these women make statements without speaking a word.

Across Africa, first ladies have embraced traditional fabrics such as Ankara, Kitenge, Aso Oke and Shweshwe to assert national identity and promote local industries.

Their sartorial choices are not just about aesthetics; they are about storytelling, cultural preservation and economic empowerment.

One of the most striking examples of this is Chantal Biya, the First Lady of Cameroon, who has turned heads for decades with her flamboyant fashion.

Known for her voluminous hairstyles and bold colours, Chantal Biya frequently wears Ndop and Toghu fabrics, traditional to the people of Cameroon’s western regions.

Her extravagant dresses, often featuring intricate embroidery and elaborate designs, serve as a celebration of her country’s heritage while cementing her as a style icon.

In Namibia, Monica Geingos, the wife of former President Hage Geingob, has taken a more minimalist but equally powerful approach.

A lawyer and businesswoman, Geingos often chooses contemporary African designs that blend traditional prints with modern cuts.

Her wardrobe embodies the elegance of a leader who understands the balance between tradition and a progressive outlook. She uses her platform to promote Namibian designers, helping put them on the international fashion map.

Further west, Aisha Buhari, Nigeria’s former First Lady, has championed Nigerian textiles, frequently appearing in Aso Oke, a handwoven fabric known for its luxurious texture and deep-rooted cultural significance.

Whether at a formal event in a structured gown or a casual setting in a flowing kaftan, she embodies the regal yet relatable aura expected of a First Lady.

In recent years, some African first ladies have embraced a modern, globalised style while still incorporating elements of their heritage.

Margaret Kenyatta, Kenya’s former First Lady, is a perfect example of this shift. Often seen in tailored dresses and stylish kitenge pieces, her fashion is understated yet elegant.

Margaret Kenyatta’s style reflects her personality; graceful, composed and dedicated to humanitarian work rather than the glitz of political life. Her preference for muted colours and well-cut dresses speaks of quiet confidence, allowing her work to take center stage rather than her wardrobe.

Kenya’s current First Lady Rachel Ruto, has also demonstrated a keen sense of fashion, frequently appearing in elegant African prints and well-tailored outfits. She blends her religious and conservative values with a polished style that exudes both warmth and authority.

Her outfits, often in bright yet dignified colours, reflect her role as a leader in women’s empowerment and community development.

Rwanda’s Jeannette Kagame also exemplifies this balance. As a champion of women’s empowerment and education, her style choices mirror her advocacy.

She frequently dons Imigongo prints, a distinctive Rwandan art style, in her dresses and accessories. Her wardrobe, much like her persona, is dignified and intentional—never overshadowing her message but instead complementing it.

Meanwhile, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has redefined first lady fashion by blending traditional attire with practical, hands-on engagement. Often seen in Zimbabwean Batik prints or Shona-inspired outfits, she represents the grassroots woman while still exuding the elegance expected of a first lady.

Her ability to transition from a diplomatic meeting to a community gathering without losing her composure is a testament to her deep connection with her people.

The Unique case of Samia Suluhu: A President who embodies first lady elegance 

Although not a First Lady, Samia Suluhu, Tanzania’s President, offers a unique perspective on power dressing. Her style reflects both her leadership role and her cultural heritage.

Suluhu is known for her modest yet distinct fashion, often wearing brightly coloured hijabs paired with kitenge and locally made fabrics.

Her wardrobe blends Islamic and African traditions, balancing her Zanzibari roots with a national identity that resonates with Tanzanians.

Unlike some First Ladies who embrace high-fashion statements, Suluhu’s attire is practical, professional and approachable, mirroring her leadership style.

Her commitment to Tanzanian-made fabrics also underscores her support for local industries, reinforcing the idea that fashion is not just personal but also political. By consistently wearing khangas and vitenges, she champions Tanzanian textile workers and designers, showcasing how African women in leadership use fashion as a tool of identity, diplomacy and national pride.

Beyond fabric choices, the colours and accessories worn by first ladies carry powerful messages. In many African cultures, colours hold deep significance; red symbolises strength and passion, blue denotes peace and stability and green represents growth and prosperity.

Dominique Ouattara, Ivory Coast’s First Lady, frequently wears white, a colour associated with purity and peace. Her choice reflects her philanthropic work and her image as a maternal figure in Ivorian society.

Her elegant lace ensembles and pearl accessories enhance this perception, making her an embodiment of grace and benevolence.

In contrast, Grace Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s former First Lady, often opted for bold reds and greens, mirroring the country’s flag. Her style was as controversial as her political presence, with statement-making outfits that commanded attention.

While her fashion choices often sparked debates, they undeniably showcased how clothing could be wielded as a form of political expression.

The fashion choices of first ladies do more than make headlines; they boost local economies.

When a first lady patronises local designers, tailors and textile makers, she indirectly supports job creation and industry growth.

Some African first ladies have become ambassadors for local fashion industries, ensuring that their nations’ textiles and designs reach international runways.

In Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo has championed the use of Kente fabric, a material deeply embedded in Ghanaian history. Her support of local artisans has helped increase the demand for handwoven textiles, benefiting weavers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Similarly, Janet Museveni of Uganda frequently wears Gomesi, a traditional dress for Ugandan women, reinforcing national pride while elevating local craftsmanship.

In a world where image is powerful, these women remind us that what one wears can be a statement of strength, heritage and purpose.

Their wardrobes are not just about aesthetics; they tell the story of a continent rich in history, diversity and pride—one outfit at a time.