AFC Partners With The Lagos Fashion Week 2025 for inclusive economic growth
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), a leading provider of infrastructure solutions across the continent, has announced its partnership with Lagos Fashion Week 2025, reinforcing its mission to empower Africa’s youth and creative sectors as key drivers of inclusive economic growth.
Africa’s apparel and textile industry is projected to reach $15 billion by 2030. As a strategic partner, AFC will support Lagos Fashion Week 2025 in strengthening Africa’s creative economy—one of its fastest-growing sectors—by promoting sustainable production, local manufacturing, and value creation across the fashion and textile value chain.
This partnership aligns with AFC’s broader goal of accelerating industrialisation and employment across Africa through critical infrastructure investments. Through its portfolio company ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), AFC is helping shift Africa from exporting raw materials to producing and exporting finished goods. A prime example is the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin Republic, where locally grown cotton is transformed into garments for leading global retailers like The Children’s Store in the U.S. The project not only generates thousands of skilled jobs but also champions sustainable manufacturing by using 100% renewable energy, ethically sourced cotton, and recycling 95% of its water.
“Africa’s creative industries represent both our cultural identity and our economic future,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC. “Partnering with Lagos Fashion Week 2025 allows us to turn that potential into tangible results—empowering youth, strengthening local production, and expanding Africa’s presence in global fashion markets.”
Now celebrating its 15th year, Lagos Fashion Week has evolved into a globally recognised platform showcasing African design excellence. The 2025 edition will focus on circular fashion, responsible sourcing, and regional value chains—themes that reflect AFC’s ongoing infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
Omoyemi Akerele, Founder of Lagos Fashion Week, added:
“We’re thrilled to welcome AFC as a key partner. Their leadership in sustainable infrastructure and manufacturing aligns perfectly with our mission to build a resilient and self-sufficient fashion ecosystem for Africa.”
This collaboration builds on AFC’s growing presence in Africa’s creative economy, following initiatives like its partnership with Ecobank for the +234Art Fair. Collectively, AFC-backed projects have added over US$50 billion to Africa’s GDP and created more than 7 million jobs across 36 countries, empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists shaping the continent’s future.
