The Federal Government has inaugurated a working committee to launch the Confederation of African Fashion, known as Afroliganza, aimed at transforming Africa’s fashion and creative industries into a globally competitive force.
The initiative, announced by the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, seeks to position Africa as a leading player in the global fashion market and significantly grow the continent’s fashion economy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Nneka Ikem, Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, the committee is expected to develop policies that will drive innovation, promote cultural heritage, create employment, and increase the creative sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Musawa said the initiative represents the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy and making it more inclusive.
“We are determined to work closely with the private sector and creative stakeholders to deliver on our promises,” she said.
“This committee will play a vital role in shaping the future of our fashion and creative industries while ensuring they contribute significantly to national economic growth.”
The minister emphasised that the project will harness opportunities within the fashion ecosystem and create a robust framework that benefits designers, artisans, and investors alike.
“We want to ensure that we capitalise on every opportunity in fashion, from production to export, to make Nigeria a global fashion hub,” Musawa added.
The Project Coordinator and Founder of Afroliganza, Dr. Lai Labode, explained that the Confederation aims to increase Africa’s share of the global fashion market from the current 1.2 per cent to a substantial figure, boosting the continent’s fashion economy from $30 billion to $500 billion.
“This initiative will redefine Africa’s creative landscape and open new doors for collaboration,” Labode said.
“It will also encourage industrialisation through the processing of local materials such as cotton, leather, and wood, thereby strengthening the entire value chain and creating thousands of jobs.”
He added that the Confederation will introduce a Fashion Extravaganza where African countries will compete and showcase their creativity, with the inaugural edition scheduled for Abuja and Egypt in 2026.
The committee will also focus on key areas including talent development, infrastructure, funding, and market access, while promoting African cultural values through fashion and unity across the continent.
“This is not just about fashion,” Labode noted. “It’s about economic empowerment, cultural pride, and positioning Africa as a key player in the global creative economy.”
The Federal Government says the Afroliganza initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, which places creative industries at the centre of sustainable development and job creation.
