Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has revealed a strategic collaboration with Lagos Fashion Week 2025, reinforcing its dedication to uplifting Africa’s youth and creative sectors as essential contributors to inclusive economic development.
The partnership aims to elevate Africa’s fashion and textile industry as a major catalyst for industrialization and export diversification, with the continent’s apparel and textile exports expected to hit $15 billion by 2030.
AFC stated that its partnership with Lagos Fashion Week will back efforts focused on sustainable production, boosting local manufacturing, and enhancing value addition across the fashion and textiles sector.
Lagos Fashion Week, in its 15th year, has emerged as a globally acclaimed platform for African design innovation and artistic talent. The 2025 edition will highlight circular fashion, ethical sourcing, and regional value chains—key areas where AFC’s infrastructure investments are helping connect Africa’s creative energy with its industrial growth potential.
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, stated that the corporation’s extensive infrastructure investments are helping create a supportive environment for African designers and manufacturers to compete on the global stage.
He emphasized that AFC’s continued push for industrialization, led by its investee firm ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), reflects its strong commitment to the sector.
He cited the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in the Benin Republic—one of ARISE IIP’s premier initiatives—as a key example, where top-tier textile facilities transform African-grown cotton into finished apparel for export to global retailers such as The Children’s Store in the U.S.
The initiative has generated thousands of skilled jobs for local youth and is regarded as a benchmark for sustainable textile production.
“We are pleased to welcome AFC as a key partner for Lagos Fashion Week 2025. Their commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure and local manufacturing aligns with our mission to strengthen the foundations of Africa’s fashion ecosystem,” Omoyemi Akerele, founder of Lagos Fashion Week, said.
AFC-supported projects have so far contributed over $50 billion to Africa’s GDP and facilitated the creation of more than 7 million jobs in 36 nations, underscoring the impact of strategic infrastructure investment on the continent’s economic and creative growth.
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