Stitching futures: Empowering Nigerian youth through fashion design

Aisha Bello, a 23-year-old from Kano, always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. Growing up in a low-income neighbourhood, her aspirations seemed out of reach.

However, with determination and the support of a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) offering vocational training, Aisha embarked on a journey that would change her life. Today, Aisha runs her fashion label, employs ten people, and has clients across Nigeria and beyond.

Aisha’s journey underscores the transformative power of fashion design as a viable path to youth employment in Nigeria. Here’s how the industry can provide opportunities and foster economic growth:

1. Accessible Training Programmes: Organisations like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and private fashion schools offer courses in fashion design, tailoring, and business management. Expanding these programmes to more regions and making them affordable can empower more young Nigerians.

2. Entrepreneurship Opportunities: The fashion industry encourages entrepreneurship. Young designers can start small businesses with minimal capital, gradually scaling up as they gain experience and clientele. Initiatives like the Fashion Focus Fund provide financial support and mentorship to budding designers.

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3. Employment Generation: Fashion design isn’t just about designers. It encompasses a wide range of roles, from tailors and pattern makers to marketers and salespeople. The growth of a single fashion brand can create numerous job opportunities along the supply chain.

4. Export Potential: Nigerian fashion is gaining international recognition. By tapping into global markets, designers can increase their revenue and create more jobs. Export promotion programs and trade fairs can facilitate this growth.

5. Community Development: Fashion enterprises often uplift entire communities. By providing jobs and fostering local talent, these businesses contribute to economic development. For instance, initiatives like the Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week have spurred local economies by attracting tourists and media attention.

Examples of Success:

House of Tara: Started by Tara Fela-Durotoye, this beauty and fashion enterprise has trained thousands of young Nigerians and provided them with employment opportunities.

Zashadu: A luxury handbag brand by Zainab Ashadu that employs local artisans and sources materials locally, promoting both employment and sustainability.

Aisha Bello’s story is a testament to the potential of fashion design to provide viable employment paths for Nigerian youth. By expanding training programs, fostering entrepreneurship, generating employment, tapping into export potential, and promoting community development, Nigeria can harness the power of its fashion industry to create a brighter future for its young population.