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From Paul Osuyi
Governments of African nations have been urged to promote African fashion and creativity, and tap into its potential for economic growth.
President of Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST), Mr. Charles Ozoemena, who made the call in Asaba, specifically urged the Nigerian government to take advantage of the potential of African fashion for economic development.
Ozoemena was speaking to journalists on the three-day Africa Fashion Festival scheduled to be held in Asaba, Delta State between April 14 and 16 this year.
MAFEST 2025 is organised 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.
According to Ozoemena,the objectives 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.
He explained that the aim was 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.
He noted that countries like China, the United States, Sri Lanka and India have leveraged their fashion industries for significant economic growth, saying 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
Wear Naija, Wear Africa Walk for Life Scheduled for, April 22, 2025.
“Our vision was 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,” he added.
