Innovate UK hosts Roadshow & Workshop to foster circular fashion innovation between the UK and Nigeria

The network, which officially launched in May, brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors from both countries to drive forward sustainable solutions in one of Africa’s most dynamic fashion sectors.

Circular Fashion Knowledge Exchange Roadshow & Workshop

Innovate UK, through this network, is actively supporting the sustainable production of clothing and textiles in Nigeria, with a special focus on traditional techniques like Adire – a type of tie and dye cloth made in southwestern Nigeria using resist-dyeing techniques.

In July, 2024, the network organised a roadshow, bringing together Adire stakeholders from across the Nigerian fashion industry. A highlight was a visit to Afrikstabel Textiles, a fabric product manufacturer in Lagos, where the founder, Ifebuche Madu has implemented a wastewater treatment plant.

“Seeing the Afrikstabel Textiles facility in action was truly inspiring,” says Chidubem Ejezie, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Innovate UK’s Global Alliance Africa project in Nigeria. “It demonstrates how innovative technologies can be successfully integrated into traditional production methods, setting a new standard for the industry.”

Stakeholders from the roadshow also benefitted from UK expertise. Dr. Graham Clayton, CEO of the Society of Dyers and Colourists, joined the roadshow event virtually to discuss innovations in sustainable dyeing in the UK, highlighting the potential for knowledge exchange between the two countries.

“This visit showcased a practical example of how the network’s goals are being realised on the ground, demonstrating the real-world impact of the UK-Nigeria partnership. By bringing together UK expertise and Nigerian craftsmanship, the network is fostering sustainable solutions that respect local traditions.”

Spotlight on sustainable production

The network’s support extends to implementing effective wastewater disposal and treatment systems, as well as promoting the use of non-toxic dyes. These innovations are crucial in reducing the environmental impact of textile production while preserving traditional techniques.

Ejezie emphasises the importance of this approach: “We are committed to helping organisations adopt cleaner, safer production methods by minimising the environmental footprint of traditional chemical processes in textile manufacturing.”

UK-Nigeria Partnership in Action

The UK-Nigeria Circular Fashion Global Innovation Network is concentrating its efforts on three key areas:

1) Redefining chemicals in production and manufacturing

This involves supporting organisations in reducing harmful environmental effects associated with traditional chemical processes in textile manufacturing.

2) Recycling and upcycling of textiles

The network is focusing on the adoption of circular business models, such as leasing and take-back programs, to extend the lifecycle of fashion products.

3) Innovating sustainable materials for fabrics

This area covers exploring innovative ways to utilise other types of sustainable materials, such as agricultural waste, fish skin, natural fibres etc, in the creation of fabrics.

These focus areas contribute to the broader objective of fostering sustainable production techniques, with a special emphasis on preserving cultural heritage alongside innovation. By aligning new technologies with traditional methods, the network aims to promote both environmental sustainability and the preservation of Nigeria’s rich textile traditions.

Looking to the Future

As the network gains momentum, it continues to foster relationships and create opportunities for future collaboration within the industry. By engaging stakeholders on key elements such as product design, material selection, recycling infrastructure, supply chain transparency, and consumer awareness, the initiative aims to build a more sustainable and socially responsible fashion industry in Nigeria.

The network is also working on cross-border collaborations among designers, researchers, and brands, as well as facilitating sustainable materials and technology sourcing.

“The enthusiasm we’ve seen from both UK and Nigerian partners is truly encouraging,” says Ejezie. “By combining our strengths, we can drive meaningful change in the fashion industry, benefiting both our countries and setting new global standards for sustainability.”

About Global Alliance Africa

Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa is a six-year project funded by UK International Development through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).