Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has disclosed that the country loses approximately $3 billion each year due to the importation of Ankara fabrics, a popular wax print in West and Central Africa.
During her address at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024 in Algiers, Musawa highlighted that fabrics such as Adire, Kente, Bogolan, and Ankara are emblematic of Africa’s rich cultural heritage and identity.
However, she lamented that most of these iconic fabrics, including Ankara, are produced outside the continent.
Musawa pointed out that nearly 90% of the Ankara consumed in Africa is imported, leading to significant financial losses for the continent.
“We must change this situation,” she urged, emphasizing the need to strengthen local production capabilities to keep the economic benefits of the fashion industry within African borders.
She also noted that the African fashion industry is projected to grow to $15.5 billion by 2025 and called for efforts to tackle the structural challenges that impede local manufacturing.
“Fashion is far more than a form of expression. It is an economic powerhouse. The global fashion industry is valued at approximately $2.5 trillion. In Nigeria alone, the fashion industry contributes approximately $6.1 billion to GDP, while South Africa’s textile sector employs over 140,000 people, demonstrating the sector’s capacity for job creation.
“Investments in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth. By expanding local production, we will not only add value within our borders but also position Africa as a global hub for fashion,” she stated.
As part of the Design Nexus and Destination 2030 initiative, the ministry is actively working on developing manufacturing hubs and training programs in craftsmanship across Africa.
Musawa expressed her commitment to elevating Nigeria’s arts, culture, and creative economy to a prominent position on the global stage.