The Afro-EU Garment Innovation and Sustainability Summit, held in Lagos and themed “Bridging Continents through Fashion, Technology, and Cultural Exchange,” underscored the growing potential of Nigerian and, by extension, African fashion in the European market. Organized by the Central Eastern European and West African Business Association (CEEWABA) in partnership with Women in Fashion Tech, the summit served as a platform to discuss strategies for expanding the reach of African fashion brands internationally. CEEWABA President, Michael Dada, highlighted CEEWABA’s commitment to facilitating the penetration of Nigerian clothing brands into Europe, emphasizing the organization’s efforts to connect African designers with European markets and provide training in advanced fashion skills to meet global standards. The summit’s core message was that bridging the gap between African creativity and European demand requires a concerted effort, encompassing training, market access, and protection of intellectual property.
A key aspect of preparing African designers for international success is equipping them with the necessary skills and innovation to compete on the global stage. Dada emphasized that globalization has created a receptive environment for African fashion in Europe, and the missing link was an organization to spearhead this integration. CEEWABA, through initiatives like the African Fashion Hub, aims to bridge this gap by connecting stakeholders and fostering collaborations. The focus on skill development and innovation is critical for ensuring that African designers can produce high-quality garments that meet international standards and appeal to discerning European consumers. The summit highlighted the need for ongoing training programs and partnerships to enhance the technical capabilities of African designers and empower them to create collections that resonate with global trends.
The summit also addressed the critical issue of protecting African designs and cultural heritage from exploitation. Bukola Ajayi, President of Women in Fashion Tech, called upon the Nigerian government to curb the influx of imported ready-made garments, which she argued is stifling the growth of the local fashion industry. She stressed the importance of safeguarding traditional designs and craftsmanship, highlighting fashion as a cultural legacy that must be preserved for future generations. Ajayi’s call for action underscores the importance of implementing policies that protect intellectual property rights and promote fair competition, enabling local designers to thrive in a globalized market. The influx of cheaper, mass-produced foreign garments poses a significant threat to the sustainability of the Nigerian fashion industry, and addressing this challenge is crucial for long-term growth.
Beyond protecting local designs, supporting women entrepreneurs in the fashion sector was another key theme discussed at the summit. Ajayi urged the government to review its funding programs for women entrepreneurs, particularly in light of the challenges faced by many due to debts incurred from online loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to capital and supportive financial programs are essential for fostering entrepreneurship and empowering women in the fashion industry. Addressing the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, such as access to affordable financing and mentorship opportunities, is crucial for unlocking their full potential and driving economic growth. The summit highlighted the need for targeted interventions to support women-owned businesses in the fashion sector.
The Lagos State government expressed its commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability in the African garment sector. Folashade Medebem, the Lagos State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, emphasized the state’s role as a hub for fashion designers, entrepreneurs, and technologists, showcasing African creativity to the world. She advocated for stronger Afro-EU partnerships to address global challenges such as climate change, youth unemployment, and inequality through innovation in the fashion industry. The support of local governments, like that of Lagos State, is essential for creating an enabling environment for the fashion industry to flourish. This includes providing infrastructure, promoting access to markets, and facilitating collaborations between stakeholders.
Finally, the summit emphasized the significant economic potential of investing in women within the creative industry. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the positive ripple effect that empowering women in this sector could have, stating that Nigeria’s prosperity translates to Africa’s prosperity. Investing in women-led businesses and supporting their growth is not only economically beneficial but also contributes to social development and gender equality. The summit served as a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize investments in women in the creative industry as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and development across the continent.
