Background
The global fashion industry is valued between $1.7 trillion and $2.75 trillion with the US accounting for $343.7 billion and China dominating with 40%. But Africa’s worth in the global fashion industry is just one percent of the global record. Comparatively, “The Apparel market in Africa is projected to grow by 5.13% (2024-2027) resulting in a market volume of US$82.02bn in 2027” according to Statista.
ABOUT MAFFEST
The Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST) is the latest sensation on the fashion runway and it aims to unveil the diversity of African arts and designs, as well as the creativity and power of the fashion industry in Africa, which is the second-largest sector after Agriculture. This event highlights the potential of the fashion industry as a job and wealth creator. The annual show offers a platform to identify gaps and provide solutions on how to build Africa's fashion empire, whilst showcasing the creative tapestry of the continent’s fashion industry. It also serves as a launchpad for budding designers to showcase their finest collections alongside the works of the biggest brands.
Aware of the unique characteristics of the African fashion industry, MAFEST shall annually celebrate the inventiveness of African youths and women. By showcasing their talents, MAFEST intends to position Africa as an indispensable global player in the world's fashion circuit. Additionally, MAFEST hopes to attract the attention of financial institutions and governments to support the growth of MSMEs in the creative industry through investments. The international festival also advocates for the need to produce finished garments in Africa and export them instead of exporting only raw material cotton. The festival is a four-day programme, comprising of among other strands Roadshows, exhibitions of fashion and beauty accessories, B2B meetings of stakeholders, Fashion Education workshops as well as fashion shows galore. The fashion shows parade Fashion designers from Africa, as well as budding models and Super Models from the continent.
There will be plenty of chances to network and socialize during the festival. You can meet headline fashion icons, emerging and celebrity designers, and beauty enthusiasts. There will be meet-and-greet opportunities, photo opportunities, and chances to socialize with surprise guests, movie stars, beauty queens, and supermodels from all over the world. As you can imagine, the package is incredibly rich, a medley of enduring fun. The Fashion Show is a top-rated AA event that aims to evoke the glitz, glam, and razzmatazz of its class.
Aim
Showcase the dynamism and versatility of the African Fashion industry, inspiring institutional investments to create massive jobs and wealth for the youth and women of Africa.
Mission
Promote the beauties of Africa’s fabrics, fashions, and styles, whilst celebrating the stunning creations of her fashion designers, for increased local production and patronage
MAFEST key features
• Business To Government (B2G) interactions
• Exhibition
• Fashion Education Workshop
• Nigerian Day
• Dressmaking competition and award
• Fashion shows