Empowering Future Fashion Leaders: CAFET’s Impactful Fashion Design Training at Yaba College of Technology

The Centre for African Fashion Education and Technology (CAFET) hosted an immersive fashion value-chain training at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), engaging the Higher National Diploma students in exploring lucrative opportunities within the Nigerian fashion industry.

The comprehensive five-hour session blended lectures, interactive exercises, and enlightening Q&A discussions.

Facilitated by Eme Bassey and Lanre Shonoiki, Partners at CAFET, the training opened with a review of the challenges in the Nigerian fashion industry to illustrate the importance of a functional value chain. Then in line with CAFET’s mission of educating professionals on the need for a holistic value chain, the students were shown the five tiers of the value chain, with a brief exploration of the contributions of each to the fashion industry.

Next followed a transition to practical implications, outlining value creation and capture models for transforming skills into valuable, transferable assets. Students were encouraged to explore diverse avenues, from salaried jobs and freelancing to entrepreneurial endeavours such as launching fashion brands or online courses. The students asked thought-provoking questions as they sought clarity in charting a path to wealth in the ever-evolving fashion industry.

Overall, the young fashion students were greatly impacted by the training. Now equipped with insights and an entrepreneurial drive, these future fashion leaders are ready to join the drive for change in the Nigerian fashion scene. Their influence on trends and innovation holds promise for moving our domestic industry towards global standards.

The value-chain training represents a significant milestone in CAFET’s ongoing mission to reshape the African fashion value chain through education and technology. CAFET’s goal is to foster enhanced collaboration and specialisation, ultimately driving the creation of African fashion products with the competitive edge needed to thrive in global markets. As we continue this journey, CAFET invites industry stakeholders to join us in forging partnerships and collaborations that will propel us toward realising this noble, sustainable, and value-driven vision.