Nigeria Loses $3 Billion Annually to Foreign Ankara Manufacturers, Says Minister

 

Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Musawa, has revealed that the country is losing approximately $3 billion each year to foreign manufacturers of ankara, a popular wax print fabric in West and Central Africa. Musawa made this statement during the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024, held in Algiers last week.

According to a statement from her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, Musawa emphasized the importance of empowering Africa's fashion and textile industry. She noted that fabrics like adire, kente, bogolan, and ankara are vital representations of Africa's heritage, pride, and identity.

"It is ironic that many of the fabrics we cherish, such as ankara, are primarily produced outside Africa," Musawa remarked. "Almost 90 percent of the ankara consumed on our continent is imported, resulting in significant financial losses to foreign manufacturers. We must change this trend."

The minister called for efforts to strengthen local production capacities to reclaim Africa's fashion narrative. "By enhancing local production capacities, we can ensure that the benefits of this vibrant industry remain within our borders," she stated.

Musawa highlighted the projected growth of Africa’s fashion industry, which is expected to reach $15.5 billion by 2025. She urged stakeholders to address the structural challenges hindering local production, emphasizing the economic potential of the fashion sector. "Fashion is more than just a form of expression; it is an economic powerhouse. The global fashion industry is valued at around $2.5 trillion. In Nigeria, the fashion industry contributes about $6.1 billion to our GDP, while South Africa’s textile sector employs over 140,000 people, showcasing the industry’s capacity for job creation."

She added that investing in fashion could create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth. "By expanding local production, we can not only add value within our borders but also position Africa as a global fashion hub," Musawa asserted.

The minister also outlined government initiatives aimed at enhancing the fashion industry, such as establishing manufacturing hubs and implementing craftsmanship training programs under the Design Nexus and Destination 2030 initiatives. Musawa stated that these efforts are designed to elevate Nigeria’s arts, culture, and creative economy on a global scale.