Eye on Africa: The Skills Gap – Addressing the Lack of Trained Fashion Professionals

While Nigeria has a deep-rooted tradition of tailoring and craftsmanship, many fashion businesses still struggle to find skilled workers trained in modern techniques. The lack of formal education and technical training in garment production, pattern making, fashion tech, and textile innovation creates a significant skills gap.

Most artisans learn through informal apprenticeships, which, while valuable, often don’t equip them with global-standard skills. As fashion evolves—with trends shifting rapidly and technology reshaping production—designers need workers who can keep up. Without that, product quality, efficiency, and the ability to compete on the international stage suffer.

Investing in fashion training institutes, public-private partnerships, and collaborations with international schools could change this narrative. Programs focused on upskilling women, youth, and displaced persons could also provide both empowerment and economic stability for vulnerable communities.

By bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, Nigeria can build a future-ready workforce capable of powering a sustainable and competitive fashion economy.

Tags: #Fashion Education #Skills For Growth #Empower Through Fashion #Nigerian Youth #Creative Economy #Adaobi

Adaobi Promise is a fashion entrepreneur, certified project manager, and humanitarian dedicated to empowering women and girls through style, education, and opportunity. As founder of a fashion and mercantile business, she creates clothing that inspires confidence and self-expression.

Adaobi serves on the Women’s Leadership Committee of LetsMakeTheDifference.org, a global network advancing equity and opportunity. Through this partnership, Adaobi contributes to stories and initiatives featured in the Nashville paper, helping amplify voices driving change worldwide. Connect through FB