A strategic partnership between Silkcoat and Threads of Africa Fashion Week is set to energize Nigeria’s creative economy by empowering a new wave of female fashion designers from grassroots communities through a ₦7.5 million intervention fund.
Unveiled at a special presentation in Abuja, the initiative is designed to support five promising women designers who have traditionally struggled to access professional training, business development resources, and opportunities for visibility in the fashion industry.
According to Mr. Baris Yerlikaya, Silkcoat’s Marketing and Sales Manager in Nigeria, the funding will cover skills training, equipment support, branding development, and startup resources, unlocking both the creative potential and economic opportunities for the beneficiaries.
“When women are empowered with skills and resources, they build businesses that sustain families and communities,” Yerlikaya stated, reiterating Silkcoat’s commitment to women-focused empowerment initiatives across Nigeria and Africa.
This programme aligns with Silkcoat’s broader social impact mission, which prioritizes capacity building, economic inclusion for women and girls, and community development efforts aimed at improving education and livelihoods.
Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Aminu Aminu, Director of Administration at Threads of Africa Fashion Week, emphasized that the partnership represents a deliberate investment in gender-responsive development, particularly within Nigeria’s vibrant creative sector. He noted that the selected designers will be showcased at Threads of Africa Fashion Week, providing them with visibility and networking opportunities with local and international stakeholders.
Beneficiaries of the initiative will also receive certifications from accredited institutions, enhancing their professional credibility and positioning them to build sustainable fashion enterprises capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economy.
