By Barth Ozah
Africulfash, an organisation dedicated in promoting African fashion, has disclosed it readiness to hold African Cultural Fashion Awards 2024, a prestigious event that celebrates the intersection of African cultural heritage, sustainable development, and the power of fashion as a catalyst for positive change.
According to a press statement endorsed by, Amb. Judith Shu’aibu
Chief of Operations Africulfash and Event Coordinator African Cultural Fashion Awards (ACFA) 2024 and Dr. Oke Idawene, Chairman Organizing Committee, African Cultural Fashion Awards(ACFA) 2024, this year’s awards ceremony is particularly significant as it coincides with the United Nations agenda for poverty eradication, providing a poignant backdrop for the collective efforts in addressing social and economic challenges through the lens of African fashion.
The event which has as it theme: “Empowerment through Threads: Uniting for Sustainable Development” has been endorsed by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), and it is expected to advance the course of poverty eradication, serve as a beacon of hope, unity, and innovation, demonstrating the transformative power of fashion in advancing sustainable development and creating opportunities for prosperity within African communities.
Through this event which holds on 1st December, 2024 at Maha Marquee Event Centre, Abuja Nigeria, according to the organisers, is aimed at igniting a movement that celebrates the cultural richness of African fashion while championing initiatives that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
On the rationale behind this year’s ACFA, the statement noted that the theme aligned with the United Nations’ overarching theme for the year and resonates with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1, which focuses on eradication of poverty, underscores the potentials of African fashion as a vehicle for poverty eradication, economic empowerment, and community development.
“It seeks to highlight the transformative impact of sustainable fashion practices, ethical production, and inclusive entrepreneurship in advancing social and economic progress across the African continent.”
Africulfash noted that African fashion has the potentials to create sustainable livelihoods for artisans, weavers, tailors, and designers by promoting local craftsmanship and supporting small-scale businesses, and empower individuals economically.
“Fashion transcends borders and brings communities together. Through collaborative efforts, we can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose consequently driving peaceful co-existence in African societies.
“Encourages collaboration among fashion aficionados and entrepreneurs.
The fashion industry provides opportunities for skill development and education. By investing in training programs, we can equip aspiring designers with the tools they need to succeed. Emphasizes ethical practices, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable materials. And ensures that everyone involved in the production processes benefits, from cotton farmers to garment workers.” The statement restated.
On the objectives of this year’s ACFA, the statement added that it will showcase and honor African fashion designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who exemplify sustainable and inclusive practices in their work, raise awareness about the role of African fashion in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the context of poverty eradication and economic empowerment.
“It will foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the fashion industry, government agencies, and international organizations to explore actionable strategies for leveraging African fashion as a tool for poverty eradication and sustainable development as well as inspire and mobilize individuals and organizations to support initiatives that promote ethical and sustainable fashion, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation and community resilience.”
The press statement further pointed out that the African Cultural Fashion Awards 2024 will feature a captivating blend of fashion showcases, insightful panel discussions, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the African fashion landscape saying, the event will provide a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange ideas, share best practices, and chart a course for harnessing the potential of African fashion to address poverty, inequality and fostering peace.