Precious Moloi-Motsepe speaks about Africa’s fashion industry

Africa's fashion industry is rapidly emerging as a global force to be reckoned with, driven by the continent's rich heritage, creativity, and skilled young population. Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Executive Chairperson of African Fashion International, recently discussed the immense potential of Africa's fashion industry in a CNBC Africa interview. With a population close to a billion people and a growing middle class, Africa offers a burgeoning market for fashion designers and manufacturers. Moloi-Motsepe highlighted the importance of nurturing local talent and skills to tap into this vast potential. She emphasized the need for quality designs and products to meet the demands of both local and export markets. While recognizing the value of African creativity, she also raised concerns about intellectual property rights and the need to protect indigenous knowledge. Moloi-Motsepe outlined the initiatives taken by African Fashion International to develop and promote African designers on the global stage, including showcasing their work at prestigious fashion events like New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. The organization is also exploring innovative retail strategies, combining traditional brick-and-mortar stores with e-commerce to cater to changing consumer preferences and expand the reach of African fashion brands. In addition to the efforts of private entities like African Fashion International, Moloi-Motsepe stressed the importance of government support in advancing the fashion industry. She called for stronger intellectual property rights and closer collaboration between industry stakeholders and governmental departments to ensure the sustainable growth of Africa's fashion sector. As Africa asserts its presence in the global fashion landscape, striking a balance between protecting local creativity and embracing global influences remains crucial for its continued success.