African governments have been urged to promote African fashion and creativity in order to tap into its potential for economic growth.
President of Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST), Mr. Charles Ozoemena, who made the call in Asaba, the Delta State capital on Tuesday – today, January 21 – specifically urged the Nigerian government to take advantage of the potential of African fashion for economic development.
MAFEST 2025 is organized by Mena Communications Limited in collaboration with Vanguard Newspapers and Modela Couture, renowned as the king of Haute Couture in Africa.
The event is also backed up by the Delta State Government with strategic support from Nigerians in Diaspora Europe and Africa; Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA); Federal Ministry of Environment; and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Briefing journalists on the three-day Africa Fashion Festival scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State between April 14 and 16 this year, Ozoemena said: “The three-Day Extravaganza festival is set to be a grand celebration of African fashion and creativity, featuring stakeholders from across the African fashion and garment industry. Attendees will include elite designers, top models, influencers, celebrities, and industry professionals.”
The objective of MAFEST is to promote African fashion and creativity; provide a platform for established and emerging designers to showcase their talent, with a fusion of classic African styles and modern trends, Ozoemena disclosed, adding that the aim is also to draw attention to the immense untapped potential of Africa’s fashion sector; encourage African governments and financial institutions to prioritize investments in the fashion industry, the second-largest creator of jobs and wealth after agriculture.
Countries like China, the United States, Sri Lanka and India have leveraged their fashion industries for significant economic growth, Ozoemena stressed, lamenting that Africa has yet to harness its capabilities.
“India, with a population comparable to Africa, aims to earn over $200 billion annually from fashion. In contrast, Nigeria currently accounts for only 15% of the $31 billion generated by Sub-Saharan Africa in the fashion industry.
“MAFEST seeks to change this narrative by mobilizing resources and innovation to elevate Africa’s global market share.
“Key highlights of MAFEST 2025 include ‘Wear Naija’, ‘Wear Africa’, ‘Walk for Life’, scheduled for April 22, 2025.
“Our vision is to position Delta State as a gateway to fashion and garments, not only within the Niger Delta region but across Nigeria and the African continent and a prime destination for creativity, culture, and commerce in Africa.
“This event serves as an alternative platform to showcase the positive image of Delta State while highlighting the commendable initiatives under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori,” Ozoemena surmised.
