Successful African supermodels

                             
Veteran Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Iman have recently called for an end to racism in the fashion industry.
In a bid to tackle what they say is a lack of racial diversity on the runways, the duo, along with former model agent Bethann Hardison, launched a campaign to raise awareness of racism in the industry last month.
                           

Iman - Somalia

Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Iman moved to the US in 1975 to pursue a modelling career after being discovered by an American photographer while studying at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. Her very first modelling job was for Vogue in late 1976 and she appeared on numerous magazine covers afterwards. She's walked the ramp for the likes of Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, Issey Miyake and Donna Karan and was the leading lady of Yves Saint Laurent. After modelling for over 20 years, Iman started her own cosmetics company in 1994, focusing in shades suitable for ethnic women since she personally experienced they were difficult to find. In 2010 Iman Cosmetics was cashing up $25-million a year. Iman has her own clothing line called Global Chic and has also had a few cameos in Hollywood blockbusters and even appeared in a video game.
                    

Oluchi - Nigeria

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Oluchi first broke onto the modelling scene by winning the M-Net Face of Africa competition in 1998 when she was just 17 years old. Her prize included a three year contract with Elite modelling management. Upon moving to New York she covered the likes of Vogue, Elle and featured in Marie Claire magazine. She's walked the ramp for John Galliano, Christian Dior and Chanel to name a few. Her career highlights include being a Victoria's Secret model for seven years in a row and being featured in the Sports Illustrated swimwear issue from 2005 to 2008. In 2008 Oluchi launched her own modelling agency called OModel Africa in South Africa's Cape Town and Johannesburg cities. Her agency awarded the 2008 winner of the M-Net Face of Africa a modelling contract worth $50 000.
                  

Alek Wek - Sudan

Born in South Sudan, Alek Wek was a child refugee when she arrived in London after fleeing civil war in 1991. She was 14 years old when she was discovered by a Models1 scout at a South London market. Then signed to Ford Models, she first appeared in music videos by Tina Turner and Janet Jackson. In 1997 she was the first African model to appear on the cover of Elle magazine. She's been featured in spreads for Moschino and Clinique and has played the bride on several Christrian Lacroix shows. Wek has her own range of designer bags called Wek 1933. She recently teamed up with Amarula as the face of their African Original campaign and is said to have been worth $30 million in 2012.
                

Liya Kebede - Ethiopia

Born in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Liya Kebede was still in high school when she was discovered by a French agent. She first moved to Paris and then New York where she bagged an exclusive contract with Tom Ford for his Gucci fall/winter 2000 fashion show. Also in 2000, she graced an issue of Paris Vogue which was dedicated to her. In 2003 Kebede was named the face of Estee Lauder cosmetics in a contract which was rumoured to be worth $3 million. In 2007 she came eleventh on the Forbes 'World's 15 Top Earning Supermodels' list with an estimated $2.5 million net worth. She's also had brief movie appearances and launched her own clothing line called Lem lem in 2008. She's currently worth an estimated $18 million.
                  

Ajuma Nasenyana - Kenya

Born in Lodwar,Turkana, Kenya, Ajuma Nasenyana first burst onto the modelling scene when she was crowned Miss Nairobi at the Miss Tourism Kenya competition in 2003. That is also when she was discovered by Lyndsey McIntyre of Sarazuri modelling agency. Her photos ran as a main feature in France's Gala magazine after Gama Photo agency went to Kenya to do a story on McIntyre's scouting work. The photos were also presented to international modelling agency Ford Models and she was entered in their Supermodel of the World competition. In 2003 Nasenyana travelled to Europe and signed with agencies in London, Italy, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Canada and Switzerland. She's walked the ramp at New York Fashion Week for the likes of Baby Phat and Mienes. She's also featured in editorials for Lacoste and Issey Miyake. In 2011 she was named Africa Fashion International's Africa Fashion Week's model of the year for 2012. There are no available net worth figures for her yet but she is rumoured to be contemplating a cosmetic and skincare line to encourage women like herself to love themselves.