The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, in collaboration with the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, has unveiled plans to host the first-ever African Global Fashion Games (AGFG), described as a fashion “Olympics.”
The event was announced during an unveiling dinner and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the foundation for the African Fashion Renaissance initiative held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the organisers, the African Fashion Renaissance, also known as Afroliganza, aims to unite African countries through fashion, culture, and creativity. The AGFG, its flagship programme, will feature national teams and independent designers from across the globe competing and collaborating to boost Africa’s fashion economy and drive investment in the continent’s creative sector.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, said the MoU marks Nigeria’s formal adoption of the Afroliganza vision.
“The African Global Fashion Games will be the first of its kind — a celebration of innovation, heritage, and economic strength,” Musawa stated. “This initiative aims to position Africa’s creative industries at the forefront of global fashion, projecting a sector value exceeding $500 billion.”
She explained that the partnership aligns with the ministry’s goal to strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global creative economy and transform fashion into a tool for cultural diplomacy and international engagement.
Musawa also announced plans to establish the Nigerian Fashion Federation — a national body that will work with states and stakeholders to promote Nigerian fashion in line with continental frameworks.
Dr. Balogun Labode, the founder of the African Fashion Renaissance, said Afroliganza seeks to create a values-based fashion economy anchored in African heritage and led by African institutions. He revealed that the first edition of the AGFG is scheduled for 2027, with a calendar of events leading up to it soon to be released.
He added that all participating African countries will have national fashion federations operating under the Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA).
“The Games will showcase Africa’s creativity to the world and connect the continent to major economic opportunities in fashion,” Labode said.
The AGFG will be a nine-day biennial event featuring an opening parade of nations, runway showcases, trade fairs, industry summits, and awards ceremonies.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by government officials, fashion entrepreneurs, investors, and members of the diplomatic community, who expressed optimism about Africa’s growing influence in the global fashion landscape.