Founder of African Edits, Raheemah Akande, has said Nigeria’s policy aimed at promoting local manufacturing and reducing dependence on imported textiles inspired the creation of her fashion and lifestyle brand, describing it as an opportunity to showcase African creativity on the global stage.

Akande said that while many industry players focused on the challenges associated with restrictions on textile and clothing imports, she saw an avenue to create products that could compete internationally while supporting local industry.

According to her, “I believe the Nigerian government has its faults, but this is one policy I felt could create long-term value for the economy. If we are serious about supporting local industry, then entrepreneurs have a responsibility to create globally relevant products people genuinely want to buy.”

She explained that African Edits was established to bridge African heritage with contemporary fashion, while also creating economic opportunities through locally inspired products.

Akande noted that her entrepreneurial journey began long before the launch of the fashion company, having previously built businesses in sectors including business networking, online matchmaking and modest fashion.

Speaking on the company’s growth strategy, she said African Edits was designed from inception to serve both local and international markets through a digital-first approach.

The company currently ships products nationwide within Nigeria and fulfils international orders through global logistics networks, allowing customers across several continents to access its collections.

Beyond fashion, African Edits has also expanded into lifestyle and wellness products, including pure coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter sourced from Africa.

Explaining the diversification, Akande said: “It’s about celebrating the best of what Africa produces. Whether it’s fashion, beauty, or lifestyle products, there is an opportunity to create value from resources and creativity that already exist here.”

She argued that African brands no longer need to rely solely on international retailers to reach consumers, noting that technology and e-commerce have created direct access to global markets.

According to her, increasing global demand for authenticity, cultural storytelling and products with meaningful origins presents significant opportunities for African entrepreneurs.

“The future belongs to brands that can combine culture with contemporary relevance. People don’t just want products anymore. They want stories. They want identity. They want connection,” she added.

Akande expressed confidence that Africa’s fashion and creative industries would play a major role in the continent’s economic future, stressing that brands must focus on transforming local talent, resources and ideas into globally competitive products.

She maintained that African Edits represents more than a fashion business, describing it as a platform for promoting African creativity and demonstrating what Nigerian entrepreneurship can achieve when local innovation is matched with global ambition.

“For us, the mission is simple: transform African creativity into globally relevant products, create opportunities for local industry and show that African-inspired fashion belongs on the world stage,” she said.