The article highlights how emerging designers from Ananse Centre for Design are transforming Africa's $31bn fashion industry.Founded by Samuel Mensah, the program trains creatives in technical skills, business management, and market access, helping them build sustainable businesses.Over 7,000 graduates have been trained, with 700 now active on Ananse's e-commerce platform across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and other countries.

Mensah stressed that success in fashion requires technical expertise, business knowledge, and market access, warning that missing any pillar leads to instability.Partnerships with organizations like Mastercard Foundation and UNESCO are key to addressing Africa's reliance on imported garments.

Graduates like Evans Oghenewe, who moved from Delta to Lagos, share stories of perseverance, urging young Nigerians to pursue their dreams despite challenges.The piece underscores the role of technical education in fostering youth employment and innovation in Africa's growing fashion sector.