The Federal Government has expressed support for an initiative seeking to expand Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30bn to $500bn.
According to The PUNCH, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced the government’s support ahead of the unveiling of an industry growth roadmap in Lagos.
The initiative is being coordinated by the Confederation of African Fashion and is expected to create opportunities in fashion design, manufacturing, international trade and investment.
Musawa calls for investment in African fashion
In a statement issued through her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, Musawa stressed the importance of developing stronger business structures for Africa’s creative industries.
“Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact,” she said.
The minister maintained that the fashion sector could generate millions of jobs, particularly for young people and women.
She explained that greater investment would strengthen the sector’s ability to compete in international markets.
Fashion roadmap to be unveiled in Lagos
The Confederation of African Fashion is scheduled to unveil its proposed growth roadmap on November 5 during the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2026.
The event will take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos.
It will also mark the first anniversary of the fashion confederation.
According to the organisation’s president, Lai Labode, the initiative seeks to improve coordination among African governments, manufacturers, designers and investors.
He explained that stronger policies on sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property could help African businesses retain greater value from their creative work.
African designers, investors invited to event
The organisation disclosed that its exhibition would run from November 5 to 8.
Fashion designers, artisans, policymakers and investors have been invited to explore opportunities in manufacturing, research, investment and international trade.
The confederation also urged the African Union and member states to support the proposed industry growth framework.
The $500bn figure remains a development target rather than the current value of Africa’s fashion industry.
Organisers maintained that achieving the goal would require coordinated investment and long-term policy support.
