07 May 2024

Botswana government strongly supports women-led initiatives that contribute to governance and inclusion.

During a panel discussion at the ongoing Forbes Under 30 Africa Summit titled: Taking Centre stage: A spotlight on African fashion, local designer Mboko Basiami of Glotto highlighted the innovative nature of women and their ability to maximise limited resources.

She noted that a significant number of households in Botswana were led by women and commended the support they have received as female entrepreneurs.

According to Basiami women are the ones who invest in households and create families, which is why there is an element of empathy and sustainability in African fashion.

“My desire is to see fashion connect all 58 nations in Africa, just like languages do,” she said. Additionally, she highlighted the evolution of African designers claiming their own narrative and propelling it forward in an authentic way.

When discussing inclusivity, Basiami emphasised the importance of engaging with local creators rather than solely bringing campaigns to Africa and leaving.

She urged brands to utilise local models, creative directors, and stylists to create a diverse and authentic representation.
Nigerian fashion designer, Tia Adeola of Tia Adeola Designs shared her views on the impact of technology, such as the internet, social media, and Artificial Intelligence on the growth of the fashion industry.

She recognised technology as an incredible tool for those in the creative industry and indicated that she started her brand by sharing pictures on Instagram.

“And so many incredible things started happening. Some of my favourite singers in the world would just message me and say, “Hey, can you make me something to wear for my performance?” she highlighted.

She added that social media was an amazing tool if used properly.

 “I also think it’s important to be able to adapt because social media is constantly changing, updating, and evolving. For example, Instagram used to be just for pictures, but now we have reels,” she explained.

When asked about the correlation between the fashion sector in Africa and the opportunities it offers for female entrepreneurs compared to the rest of the world, founder and designer Beatriz Franck of Beatrizfranck from Angola said the opportunity in Africa was still small.

She said in Europe they understand how important the fashion sector is for the world. “So, everyone in this room is beautiful because of fashion. In Europe, for example, and America, they easily invest in the fashion industry.

They establish universities, promote culture and agriculture, set up factories, and already have a thriving fashion industry,” she said. However, she acknowledged that there was hope, emphasising the need to start with agriculture, specifically cotton, to swing into action, building of factories.

She also said the fashion sector was huge and in need of professionals. “Some countries like Ethiopia and South Africa are already making significant progress in developing their fashion industries, which gives hope for the future,” she said. ENDS