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Yusuf Kolawole Kudus is the President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria. He argued that Nigerian designers should first establish themselves in the domestic market before attempting to expand internationally. He suggested that fashion hubs be established throughout Nigeria's six geopolitical zones with government backing.Yusuf Kolawole Kudus, the Creative Director of Kola Kudus Clothing and President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), has argued that Nigerian designers should first establish themselves in the domestic market before attempting to expand internationally. Although Nigerian and African design has become well-known worldwide, he stressed that before pursuing more extensive export plans, more work needs to be done to control the domestic market, which is home to more than 200 million people. Kudus said during a panel discussion at the recently ended Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2024 in Lagos that the entry of global brands into the Nigerian market highlights the enormous economic potential of the nation. He did draw attention to the fact that many Nigerian designers are not taking full advantage of this advantage.
Due to Nigeria’s and Africa’s sheer size, everyone wants a piece of this market. Why aren’t Nigerian designers taking advantage of these figures, is the query. He asked. Kudus maintained that Nigerian designers should first dominate the “internal markets” by serving at least half of the local populace before going global.
Furthermore, Kudus suggested that fashion hubs be established throughout Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with government backing. He claimed that sharing production rooms would lower designers’ overhead expenses and increase their output. “The government can establish production hubs and retail orbs that will reduce costs and increase efficiency if there is a shared economy space,” he continued.
During her speech at the ceremony, Princess Oghene, the Group Managing Director of GMYT Fashion Academy, emphasised how the macroeconomic situation affects enterprises. She advised small companies to use digital technologies to help them deal with the problems caused by rising inflation, inconsistent regulation, and fluctuating raw material prices.
“The future belongs to technology.” Instead of investing in physical infrastructure, entrepreneurs can save operating expenses by developing a strong online presence, she added, highlighting the fact that social media platforms are now vital resources for the development and exposure of brands. Additionally, Oghene advised designers to strategically position themselves by participating in professional conferences and establishing connections with mentors, pointing out that these venues offer essential chances for networking and education.
At the Africa Creative Market (ACM) event, which attracted attendees from all over the continent, there were talks about how the creative business is expanding and how to advance African fashion. At the occasion, prominent industry figures urged the government to think about establishing supportive conditions that would enable designers to reach their full potential on a national and worldwide scale.
