Thursday, July 26, marked a historic day as the Olympics opening ceremony took place in the fashion capital, Paris. This year’s ceremony was uniquely set on the River Seine, where athletes from each country paraded on boats of all shapes and sizes instead of walking into an arena. Some countries shared vessels, while others appeared on smaller boats.

The contenders showcased their athletes on the world stage, outfitted in looks representative of their nation’s heritage and history. For fashion designers, the opening ceremony is not just a pageant of athletic prowess but a celebration of national identity, hard work, and creativity. It serves as a global runway where billions of viewers rate the designers’ outfits.

This year, several African designers delivered impressive national kits that told their countries’ stories. Here are the top African countries whose national costumes stood out during the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Paris:

Dressed in a collaboration with Mr. Price, South Africa’s athletes wore green and yellow kits made from wickable fabric to keep them comfortable and dry. Known as the “rainbow nation,” South Africa’s use of yellow is prominent in its international sports teams. The green symbolizes the country’s lush landscapes and agriculture, while yellow represents wealth and energy. The design balanced functionality with vibrant national colors, making a strong visual impact.

In collaboration with Adidas, Labrum produced a vibrant blue and white design featuring a ‘re-imagined crown shell,’ symbolizing wealth and prestige in Africa. The blue and white colors reflect Sierra Leone’s national flag, with the crown shell symbol adding a touch of regal heritage. This blend of modern sportswear with traditional motifs showcased Sierra Leone’s rich cultural legacy.

With a heavy reliance on locally grown cotton, Egypt’s kit, designed by Concrete, consisted of red, black, and white shades. The choice of cotton emphasized the country’s agricultural heritage, while the colors echoed the national flag, reflecting a sense of patriotism and pride. The red symbolizes the struggle for freedom, black represents the people, and white stands for peace and optimism.