African Development Bank has developed a flagship initiative named Fashionomics. This initiative aims at increasing Africa’s participation in the global textile industry supply chain. The objective is to enable African women and youth operating in the textile, apparel and accessories sector to develop their micro, small and medium-sized businesses and grow their manufacturing operations to the next level of innovation and job creation.
The bank has a high-5 agenda, which is light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialise Africa, integrate Africa, and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. The overarching objective of the African Development Bank is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries, thus contributing to poverty reduction.
The bank achieves this objective by mobilizing and allocating resources for investment in member countries and by providing policy advice and technical assistance to support development efforts. With Fashionomics, ADB plans to raise the profile of African fashion and textiles on the international stage.
The textile and clothing sector in Africa is dominated by small, medium and micro enterprises and holds the potential to create jobs for millions of women and youngsters. Whether in New York, London, Milan or Paris, African fabrics are inspiring more and more famous designers.
