CAFA urges unified policies to grow Africa’s fashion economy to $500 billion

At CANEX WKND 2026, Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) President Professor Lai Labode urged African countries to harmonise policies, strengthen intellectual property protection and invest in local manufacturing to grow the continent’s fashion economy to $500 billion. CAFA’s African Fashion Industry Growth Charter has 10 pillars, including local processing of raw materials, action against counterfeiting and improved market access. Labode announced plans for about 10 African fashion houses across the continent, with outlets also planned for New York, Paris, Milan and London. Nigerian minister Hannatu Musa Musawa said private-sector partnerships, policy development and infrastructure are key to creating jobs and strengthening the fashion industry.