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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Lagos State Government have called for increased investment, improved financing and stronger market access to help position Africa’s fashion, leather and creative industries as major drivers of job creation, exports and industrial growth. The appeal was made during the “Stitch, Sell, Scale: Fashion, Leather & Creative Enterprise Spotlight” held in Lagos, which brought together government officials, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for expanding the sector.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said many creative entrepreneurs still struggle with limited access to finance, international markets and business networks despite the abundance of talent in Nigeria. He said the state government is committed to building an ecosystem that enables fashion and leather businesses to scale, connect with global buyers and compete beyond Nigeria’s borders. UNDP officials also stressed that strengthening value chains and supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises would unlock the sector’s economic potential across Africa.
Stakeholders at the forum urged greater collaboration between governments, development partners and private investors to boost innovation, improve product quality and expand exports of African-made fashion and leather products. They noted that with the right policies and investment, the industries could become significant contributors to economic diversification, youth employment and regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
