Fashion designers, investors and industry leaders have called for stronger business structures, financial discipline and intellectual property protection to help Nigerian fashion brands attract investment and compete in global markets.

The call was made at the finale of Stitching the Future, a series on technology, artificial intelligence (AI), intellectual property and investment in African fashion, produced by Black Girls in Tech (BGIT) Nigeria and TFB STUDIOS in partnership with FOLA.

The event, held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, ahead of Lagos Fashion Week, featured a panel discussion titled The True Cost of Fashion and an evening gathering, The Tastemakers’ Dinner, presented by Wdrbe.

The morning panel, moderated by the chief operating officer of Black Girls in Tech Nigeria, Naomi Williams, and founder of TFB STUDIOS, Misi Ogunlana, examined the financial realities of building and growing fashion businesses in Nigeria.

The discussion featured the founder and chief executive officer of Reign Advisory, Kafilat Olamide Salisu; founder of MAJco, Mimi Abudu; senior investment analyst at Octerra Capital, Ademidun Akindele; and director and co-founder of The Indigo Collective Capital Ltd, Abimbola Osho.

They discussed production costs, creative intellectual property, profitability, investment and the challenges of expanding African fashion brands into international markets.

Speaking on what brands need to become investment-ready, Akindele advised founders to establish proper financial reporting systems and document their expenses, particularly when seeking external funding.

Salisu urged entrepreneurs to understand the purpose behind their businesses and build partnerships with people whose skills complement theirs.

Abudu encouraged fashion entrepreneurs to plan ahead and establish the structures required to support business growth before they become necessary.

Osho, meanwhile, advised brands seeking international expansion to consider other African markets before looking towards London or the United States.

She said other African countries understand the business environment and cultural nuances of the industry and could provide opportunities for brands to earn in dollars.

Speaking on the importance of the conversation, Williams said African fashion needed to be recognised not only for its creativity but also for its commercial value.

She said protecting creative work and establishing ownership were necessary for designers to attract investment and build sustainable businesses, particularly as technology and AI continue to change creative ownership.

“ You cannot invest in what you cannot own,” she said, arguing that technology and intellectual property protection could help turn designs into assets that attract capital and retain value.

Ogunlana said the industry needed to address the business structures and resources required for global competitiveness beyond fashion shows and exhibitions.

“Everyone is talking about African fashion having a seat on the global stage, but what does it actually take to get there? Beyond the runway and exhibits, we need the infrastructure, resources and business mindset to compete globally,” she said.

The evening session shifted attention to the value of fashion ownership, with the Tastemakers’ Dinner bringing together designers, founders, creatives and industry figures to explore Wdrbe’s concept of treating wardrobes as assets.

The discussion examined how cost-per-wear, resale and clothing rental could help consumers manage the value of their fashion purchases rather than viewing clothing solely as an expense.

During the dinner, founder of Wdrbe, Favour Olawumi, and Denise Eseimokumoh announced the Icon Race: Runway to Icon Style Challenge, a wardrobe competition with a $20,000 grand prize.

Scheduled to launch on November 30, 2026, the challenge will reward participants for building digital wardrobes, creating outfits, recording how often they wear their clothes and reselling underused items.

Participants will earn Style Points and progress through three levels: Starter, Stylist and Icon. Weekly and seasonal cash prizes will also be available.

The Wdrbe team demonstrated its app, which allows users to catalogue their clothes, create outfits, track their wardrobe use and identify potential resale value.

The finale concluded a series that began with discussions on the relationship between technology, AI, copyright and fashion ownership in Nigeria and across Africa.