Eva Siaka Wakam is a Cameroonian entrepreneur based in Dakar and the Founder and CEO of Jelani Store, a premium fashion house that transforms African heritage textiles into contemporary luxury pieces. Inspired by her grandmother’s stories about traditional fabrics and identity, Eva built Jelani on the belief that African fashion is both cultural legacy and economic power.
A chemical engineering graduate from the University of South Africa, Eva spent seven years at African Leadership Academy designing and delivering over 100 educational programs across 10 African countries before launching Jelani in 2021. Today, the brand operates in more than 15 countries across three continents, with a presence in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Canada. It has also been featured on major international platforms, including the Cannes Film Festival and UNECA-led exhibitions.
Jelani has been worn by global figures such as Graça Machel and is officially registered with OAPI. Beyond Jelani, Eva has served as Programs Director at Établissement Le Calame in Dakar, Master Coach for the Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth program, and a mentor within international entrepreneurship networks.
