In a bold move to position Africa as a global powerhouse in fashion and creativity, the Nigerian Government has inaugurated a working committee to unveil the Confederation of African Fashion, also known as Afroliganza.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth and fostering collaboration within the creative industry.
“We are committed to working with the private sector to deliver on our promises and create opportunities for Nigerian creatives,”
“This committee will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our creative industry and ensuring that it contributes to the nation’s economic growth. We want to capitalise on the opportunities available in fashion and create a framework that benefits all Nigerians.”she said.
The initiative aims to revolutionise the African fashion landscape by creating a unified platform for countries across the continent to collaborate on policy development, innovation, and industry expansion. The Confederation’s primary goal is to increase Africa’s share of the global fashion market from 1.2 per cent to a much higher figure, while boosting the continent’s fashion economy from $30 billion to $500 billion.
To achieve this, Nigeria will partner with other African nations, research institutions, and private sector stakeholders to design and implement effective policies that stimulate creativity, industrialisation, and sustainable growth.
The newly inaugurated committee, which includes representatives from both the ministry and the creative sector, is tasked with formulating strategies that will enhance job creation, boost GDP contributions, and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s creative economy.
In his remarks, Dr Lai Labode, Project Coordinator and Founder of Afroliganza, described the Confederation as a transformative step for Africa’s fashion ecosystem.
“This development is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to promoting creative industries and economic growth,” Labode said. “The Confederation of African Fashion will drive industrialisation, raw material processing, and value-chain development in cotton, leather, wood, metal, and other local materials creating jobs and generating foreign exchange.”
As part of its initiatives, the Confederation will introduce a Fashion Extravaganza, a continental event where African countries will compete and showcase their creativity. The maiden edition is scheduled to hold in Abuja and Egypt in 2026.
The committee’s mandate also includes developing a comprehensive framework for talent development, infrastructure enhancement, funding access, and market expansion to strengthen Africa’s fashion industry.
Musawa emphasised that the establishment of the Confederation aligns with the Ministry’s vision of making Nigeria a hub for creative excellence and innovation, while promoting African cultural heritage and unity through fashion.
“Fashion is not just an industry; it’s a statement of identity, culture, and economic empowerment,” the Minister added.
The Confederation of African Fashion is expected to open a new chapter in Africa’s creative journey, offering a global platform for designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to shine.
