Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, revealed that Nigeria is losing approximately $3 billion annually to foreign manufacturers of ankara, a widely cherished wax print fabric in West and Central Africa.
Speaking at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024 in Algiers last week, Musawa emphasized the urgent need to empower Africa's fashion and textile ecosystem.
In a statement from her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, Musawa highlighted that iconic fabrics such as adire, kente, bogolan, and ankara are integral to Africa's cultural identity and heritage.
"Despite this heritage, it is deeply ironic that many of the fabrics we cherish, such as ankara, are predominantly produced outside Africa," she stated. Nearly 90% of the ankara consumed on the continent is imported, contributing to significant economic losses.
Musawa called for a shift in the production landscape, urging for strengthened local capacities to reclaim the fashion narrative. She noted that Africa’s fashion industry is projected to reach $15.5 billion by 2025 and stressed the importance of addressing structural challenges that hinder local production.
"Fashion is far more than a form of expression; it is an economic powerhouse," Musawa stated. The global fashion industry is valued at around $2.5 trillion, with Nigeria's fashion sector contributing approximately $6.1 billion to its GDP.
Furthermore, South Africa’s textile sector employs over 140,000 individuals, showcasing the potential for job creation within this industry.
Musawa explained that investments in fashion could generate millions of jobs, particularly benefiting women and youth. By improving local production capabilities, Nigeria could not only retain economic benefits but also establish itself as a global fashion hub.
