African fashion is growing in popularity, sparked by both an intercontinental rise of Afrocentrism and changing perceptions of the continent. Fashion designers, both in Africa and abroad, are leveraging rich histories, cultures and fabrics to create unique styles. Yet designers living and working in Africa often struggle to find a sustainable local market.
The African Development Bank is hoping its Fashionomics initiative will boost the textile industry and create structures to enhance the livelihoods of the countless youth and women employed by this sector. Fashionomics centers around an online platform that serves as a database and networking site for designers, buyers, retailers, suppliers, donors, and end-consumers. The initiative also seeks to reduce logistical and operational deterrents, exploring partnerships with shipping companies and standardizing practices by providing skills training.
Devex spoke with Emanuela Gregorio, the AfDB economist and gender specialist who championed the undertaking. The initiative targets an industry with an estimated $15.5 billion in revenue and presents a large potential for growth and job creation ability, she told Devex. Our conversation below has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
About the author
Christin Roby@robyreports
Christin Roby worked as the West Africa Correspondent for Devex, covering global development trends, health, technology, and policy. Before relocating to West Africa, Christin spent several years working in local newsrooms and earned her master of science in videography and global affairs reporting from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Her informed insight into the region stems from her diverse coverage of more than a dozen African nations.
