In a significant move to bolster the burgeoning fashion industry in Africa, the organisers of the Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST) have secured a strategic partnership with Leadership newspapers, one of Nigeria’s flagship media organisations. The collaboration was officially sealed during a courtesy visit and partnership meeting held at the headquarters of Leadership newspapers in Abuja on Tuesday, 25th July.
Visionary president of MAFEST, Mr. Charles Ozoemena emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria and Africa to tap into the vast potential of the fashion industry, mirroring the prosperity experienced by global fashion giants like the France, United States, China, and India. Quoting staggering statistics, he stated: “The global fashion industry is estimated to be worth about $1.7 trillion, while Africa’s current share is merely one percent, amounting to a mere $25 billion. Nigeria’s contribution stands at 15% of the $31 billion Fashion industry in Sub Saharan Africa, translating to $4.7 billion. Clearly, Africa has barely scratched the surface of the immense profits this industry can yield”.
In line with its vision, MAFEST, Ozoemena explained, aims to unite key industry players from across Africa under one roof, providing them with the platform to network, conduct business, and showcase Africa’s rich fashion and cultural heritage. The event is slated to be held in February 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, and is expected to generate around 400,000 to 500,000 direct and indirect jobs for both Nigerians and Africans across the entire fashion value chain.
Group Managing Director of Leadership newspapers, Muazu Elazeh expressed unwavering commitment to supporting and collaborating with MAFEST to ensure the event garners the much-needed publicity and achieves overwhelming success. He asserted: “The timing of MAFEST is good, especially as Nigeria endeavors to diversify its economy and reduce over-reliance on crude oil exports by developing other industries.
“We commend you on this initiative, which we believe will have a multiplier effect on Nigeria’s fashion industry, even in job creation. The focus on oil is not enough. This is the time to look at generating revenue from the non-oil sector and this is an opportunity to act now. Leadership is in this and we will play a fundamental role in being part of this event”.
MAFEST is poised to attract key players in the fashion sector from various African nations, including Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia, Burundi, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, Benin Republic, Uganda, and Cameroon, providing them with a unique platform to showcase their talents and creations. This diverse gathering of fashion enthusiasts is expected to foster strong networks and lasting partnerships that will elevate the African fashion industry on the global stage.
With the support of Leadership newspapers, MAFEST’s message of empowering African creativity, promoting cultural heritage, and driving economic growth through the fashion industry will resonate far beyond national borders. By joining forces, these two entities are set to pave the way for a transformative future for the African fashion landscape, elevating it to new heights and ensuring it takes its rightful place on the world’s fashion map.
