Nigeria is losing a massive $3 billion annually to foreign manufacturers of Ankara, a popular African wax print that holds deep cultural significance across West and Central Africa. This alarming figure was highlighted by Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, during the Creative Africa Nexus Summit in Algeria. Musawa explained that nearly 90% of Ankara fabrics consumed in Africa are imported, mostly from Asia and Europe, despite the continent’s rich cultural ties to the fabric.
The minister emphasized the irony of Africa’s reliance on foreign manufacturers for fabrics that embody its history and identity, such as Adire, Kente, Bogolan, and Ankara. She called for urgent reforms to reverse this trend, including strengthening local production capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign imports. Musawa warned that unless Africa takes control of its fashion industry, it will continue to lose out on billions in potential revenue.
Musawa’s remarks were part of a broader push to revive Nigeria’s textile sector, which, if revitalized, could significantly boost the country’s economy. She highlighted that the fashion industry already contributes $6.1 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, with the potential to grow further if more investment is made in local production. The minister also pointed out that Africa’s fashion industry is projected to be worth $15.5 billion by 2025, presenting a clear opportunity for growth if structural challenges can be addressed.
