Nigeria has taken a decisive step to put Africa at the center of the global fashion map. On Monday in Abuja, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, inaugurated a working committee to launch the Confederation of African Fashion (CAF), popularly branded as Afroliganza.
Designed as a continental platform, Afroliganza seeks to transform Africa’s fashion economy from its current $30 billion to $500 billion, raising the continent’s share of the global fashion market well beyond the present 1.2%.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted the Minister to have described the initiative as a turning point for Africa’s creative economy.
“We are determined to seize the opportunities in fashion and create a framework that benefits all Nigerians and Africans. This committee will chart the path, working with the private sector to ensure that fashion becomes a real driver of economic growth,” she said.
The committee—made up of ministry officials and industry leaders—will design policies to accelerate job creation, boost infrastructure, expand market access, and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a creative hub.
Afroliganza will also spark industrialization along the value chain, encouraging large-scale processing of cotton, leather, wood, and metals, while empowering artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs.
Project coordinator and Afroliganza founder, Dr. Lai Labode, highlighted its far-reaching vision:
“This Confederation is about Africa owning its fashion narrative. By increasing our global market share, we can create jobs, expand industries, and unlock billions in value. This is more than fashion—it’s economic transformation.”
As part of its rollout, Afroliganza will introduce a continental Fashion Extravaganza—a showcase and competition where countries can display their creativity. The first edition will debut in 2026 across Abuja and Egypt, giving African fashion a powerful new global spotlight.
The initiative also aims to position fashion as a vessel for cultural pride, unity, and heritage promotion—ensuring that African creativity resonates worldwide.
With this bold move, the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has set Nigeria and Africa on a new trajectory, merging culture, innovation, and commerce into a shared vision of prosperity.
L–R: Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq, Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, and High Chief Layi Labode Aare Baroyin, Founder of the Layi Labode Heritage Foundation, after the Honourable Minister inaugurated the Joint Working Committee for the Confederation of African Fashion, held at the Ministry on October 6, 2025.
