You do not need to be in the “Fashion know” to realize that the African fashion industry is fast becoming a prominent player in the international scene. ARISE Africa designers such as Jewel by Lisa, Loin Cloth & Ashes, Deola Sagoe among others share the Bryant Park tents with renowned designers like Zac Posen, Michael Kors, Alexander Wang and Rodarte. Along with these designer are top African models whose looks are currently the toast of fashion’s rainmakers.

Scroll below to view the top African models working today:

Ajak/Angelique Deng (Sudan)

This Sudanese stunner has broken ground in the modeling industry. She became the first black model to walk Chloe since Liya Kebede walked for the label. She has also walked for Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino, Givenchy, Lanvin, Marc by Marc Jacobs and has fronted a Topshop campaign.

Ataui Deng (Sudan)

Ataui Deng is purported to be the niece of übermodel Alek Wek. She hails from San Antonio, Texas by way of Sudan. The high schooler has enjoyed success on the catwalks of Stephanie Rolland, Catherine Malandrino and Elie Tahari to name a few.

Betty Adewole (Nigeria)

British-born Betty is currently enjoying success on London catwalks. Adewole is currently represented by Models 1 in London and has walked for the likes of PPQ and Nathan Jenden. If her face is anything to go by, we will see her exploding on the catwalks of New York, Paris and Milan soon.

Fatima Siad (Somalia)

This Somali stunner first caught our eye when she appeared on cycle 10 of America’s Next Top Model. Her failure to win proved to be a blessing as she has been enjoying immense success post-reality TV. She has appeared in a presentation for Vivienne Westwood and has also bagged DKNY and BCBGMaxAzria campaigns.

Georgie Badiel (Burkina Faso)

Playful Georgie is the only high fashion model we’ve seen from Burkina Faso, however she has set the bar very very high for those who might wish to follow in her footsteps. She has appeared in prestigious fashion publications like Vogue Italia, i-D and Pop Magazine. She has also graced the catwalk of Giambattisa Valli, Prabal Gurung, Jean Paul Gaultier, House of Holland and Emanuel Ungaro.

Hind Sahli (Morocco)

After her discovery by Patrick Demarchelier, this Moroccan stunner has taken the fashion world by storm has been in constant demand, landing her Armani Exchange jeans campaign, before her first major season. Hind has fast become a favorite of top photographer Stephen Meisel. She has also bagged Topshop and United Colors of Bennetton for the fall 2010 campaign season after a stellar campaign season which saw her walk for Oscar De La Renta, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermes and Louis Vuitton. With that androgynous quality that is so highly coveted by fashion powers that be, the sky is the limit for Hind.

Adedoyin Omidiran is  Editor of the  African literary website, Alakowe Magazine.