Innovate UK’s delegate trip to Nigeria sparks conversation around Nigeria’s Circular Economy
Innovate UK’s dedication to creating diverse partnerships to drive Circular Economy innovations in industries was amplified through their recent delegate visits to Lagos, Nigeria in preparation for the launch of the UK-Nigeria Circular Fashion and Sustainable Construction Innovation Networks.
The Innovation Networks inspired industry members to come together by connecting, collaborating, and sharing experiences under a UK-Nigeria platform to promote a rich innovative exchange for the circular economy in Nigeria.
The delegates met with stakeholders within the fashion industry, and people across the creative industry interested in economic innovations to discuss actionable steps regarding sustainability in Nigeria’s fashion landscape.
Circular fashion
During the Circular Fashion event, the Global Alliance Africa team engaged with fellow participants to gain valuable insights into the current state of the construction ecosystem and the sustainable construction materials produced locally. Additionally, they exchanged knowledge on what has worked in the past and identified innovations required in the sector.
According to Dr Nee-Joo Teh, Head of Global Alliance at Innovate UK:
Fostering collaborations within the industry is essential for stakeholders to unlock the untapped benefits within the sector which can lead to more innovative solutions and open doors to new opportunities.
In addition, Dr Nee-Joo Teh emphasised the importance of innovation and knowledge exchange in stimulating the Circular Fashion industry between Nigeria and the UK.
Daniel Hatton, Founder of the Commonwealth Fashion Council (CFC), championing Blue Fashion mentioned:
The CFC, delivers programs across the commonwealth on sustainability, education, and innovation to address the most depressing issues within the Commonwealth. With 56 countries in the Commonwealth, and over 60% of its population being youths below the age of 29, there is an opportunity for young designers to connect with other young designers and manufacturers, keeping the whole production loop within the Commonwealth, therefore ensuring sustainable transparency.
One of the major concerns raised was the manufacturing challenges in Nigeria, which hinder the growth of fashion businesses. The creation of manufacturing plants will not only solve this problem but also create more job opportunities, thus solving the job shortage problem the country currently faces. The delegates returned with a greater understanding of Nigeria’s Circular Economy initiatives and how they can contribute to global Circular Fashion goals.
About Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa
Global Alliance Africa is a six-year project funded by UK International Development through Innovate UK (GCRF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
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Global Alliance Africa
This Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa 6-year (2019-2025) project funded by UK International Development aims to build new and stronger UK-African partnerships to maximise the creation of inclusive market access, funding and investment opportunities through innovation knowledge transfer between the UK, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.