Minister rallies African govts behind $500bn fashion economy

Minister Hannatu Musawa has urged African governments to back initiatives aimed at expanding the continent's fashion industry from the current $30 billion to a projected $500 billion. This goal is central to the Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) initiative, unveiled during the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2026 in Lagos. The minister highlighted that such a growth would create extensive job opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

CAFA, a Rwanda-based organization, collaborates with African governments to align policies and drive economic value for the fashion industry. The Confederation aims to transition Africa's fashion sector from a creative expression-driven market to a structured economic powerhouse with improved manufacturing, market access, and investment opportunities.

Nigeria became the first African nation to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, cementing its commitment to this vision. The proposed African Global Fashion Games, set to debut in Nigeria in 2028, will bring together designers from across the continent to compete, fostering commercial partnerships and promoting African fashion on a global stage.