UNESCO Identifies Growth and Investment Opportunities in Africa's Fashion Industry

UNESCO report highlights potential of Africa's $15.5 billion fashion industry to triple in a decade with proper investment, urges public decision-makers to support flourishing sector as a means for cultural promotion and youth empowerment.

Africa's fashion industry, currently valued at $15.5 billion in exports annually, has the potential to triple in a decade with appropriate investment and infrastructure, as per a UNESCO report.
The industry, growing both locally and internationally, is seen as a significant tool for cultural promotion and youth empowerment, particularly considering Africa's young population of 1.3 billion, set to double by 2050.
Growth in e-commerce and Africa leading mobile device web traffic globally have expanded market opportunities, with young people increasingly establishing fashion brands on social media.
The annual Lagos Fashion Week showcases a range of African designers and celebrates African culture and crafts, highlighting the increasing global recognition of African fashion.
The UNESCO report details challenges including investment deficits, high fabric sourcing costs, and intellectual property issues, while recommending support for small to medium-sized firms, legal protections, environmental standards, and the encouragement of traditional textile techniques.