Ananse Centre for Design has graduated its first cohort of 35 fashion incubator entrepreneurs, reaffirming that the fashion business remains a viable pathway for economic growth and income generation.

The programme, in partnership with Ishk Tolaram Foundation, spanned three months of intensive hands-on training in fashion design, leatherwork, garment production, among others, as well as equipping them with the practical and commercial skills needed to launch and grow successful businesses and transform their talent into sustainable income.

Chief Executive Officer of Ananse, Samuel Mensah, while speaking at the event held in Lekki, Lagos, said the initiative was designed to address a major gap in Africa’s creative ecosystem, which is the lack of access to opportunities despite abundant talent in the region.

According to him, there is much talent in Africa, and what we lack is access to opportunities that can translate the talent into income.

Besides, he said that the training integrated industry networks, access to production facilities, and business education to help fashion creatives build viable enterprises.

He noted a critical gap in business knowledge among fashion creatives, saying that many struggle with pricing, cost calculation, and brand building.

On her part, the Hub Country Lead, Africa, Onome Umukoro, commended the participants for their commitment to the training, noting that the first 35 cohorts have laid a strong foundation.

She said that their performance was a source of inspiration for Ananse to continue investing in the future of the country’s youthful population, adding that beyond the training, all participants have been placed in an internship programme where they can further demonstrate and apply the skills they have acquired.

Also speaking, Programme Director for Nigeria at the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, Oje Olaolu Ivagba, recalled that the partnership with Ananse followed a strategic review of the Foundation’s impact after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Programme Lead at Ananse, Owoduni Temiloluwa, underscored the importance of aligning local training with global standards, stating that the initiative prioritises international best practice.

Owoduni noted that while many Nigerians possess technical fashion skills, the transition to sustainable business remains a major challenge.

He, therefore, urged the graduands to follow their calling, adding that acquiring skills and building a career should go hand in hand rather than being seen as separate choices.