The Sunday Mail
Nicole Maturure
THE country’s fashion sector is set for a positive trajectory following the launch of the Zimbabwe Fashion Council (ZFC) on Thursday.
The ZFC, a non-pro‑ t organisation, seeks to foster and direct the growth of a resilient, transparent, innovative, sustainable and inclusive fashion and textile sector in Zimbabwe.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni officiated at the council’s launch and expressed her support towards the initiative.
Dr Nyoni said fashion has a huge potential to contribute meaningfully to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The ZFC, according to Dr Nyoni, will assist local designers to enlarge their footprints and promote employment creation.
“The potential of most Zimbabwean designers is yet to be unlocked and exposed to the world. The process of unlocking this potential in our designers will make a meaningful contribution to the Zimbabwean GDP, as is the case with the fashion sectors in other regional countries,’’ Dr Nyoni said.
Minister Nyoni also called for collaborative efforts between the private and public sectors to take the fashion industry to greater heights.
ZFC executive director Yvonne Makoni said the council is working hard to revive the local textile industry, which has been on the decline for many years.
She encouraged local designers to create unique designs that reflect the culture and heritage of Zimbabwe.
“The ZFC is looking to create more opportunities for local designers and entrepreneurs. We are working towards creating a platform for local designers to showcase their work, as well as providing mentorship and training opportunities,” she said.
A representative from the trade promotion agency, ZimTrade, Sharon Kasenya, applauded the council for capitalising on cotton, which the country produces in abundance and is a key ingredient in the making of some products.
“Zimbabwe is a major producer of cotton, and the ZFC is looking to capitalise on this by increasing exports of cotton-based products.
“The ZFC is also looking at increasing the exports of Zimbabwean fashion products to other countries,” Kasenya said.
The ZFC is working on a number of initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Young Designers competition, which it will run in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. Also on the cards is a fashion sector hub, which will provide working space for entrepreneurs in the cloth and clothing value chain.
Minister of Women A airs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Dr Sithembiso Nyoni (centre) poses for a photo with members of the newly formed Zimbabwe Fashion Council.
