Chinese Embroidery Firms Partner with Nigerian Initiative to Boost Youth Empowerment in Fashion Industry
Nigeria’s creative industry received a significant boost on Wednesday with the launch of a youth-centered initiative aimed at establishing sustainable, fashion-driven businesses across the country.
The programme, unveiled in Abuja under the theme “Stitching the Future: Building Sustainable Embroidery Businesses in Africa,” is spearheaded by Embroidery Chief in collaboration with top Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers, Dahao and Futong.
Founder of Embroidery Chief, Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam, said the initiative is tailored to equip young Nigerians with hands-on skills in embroidery and fashion design—skills that can be translated into income-generating ventures.
According to Abdulsalam, the project will begin with the rollout of innovation hubs in 10 states, including Lagos and Kano. Each hub will be equipped with 50 embroidery machines provided at subsidized rates to ensure affordability for emerging entrepreneurs.
The training programme will be delivered in three distinct stages: one month focused on digital design, two weeks dedicated to machine handling, and another month covering technical repair and maintenance.
“Our aim is to raise awareness of the opportunities in the fashion sector, identify skill gaps, and connect aspiring designers with the right tools and networks,” Abdulsalam explained.
He emphasized the need for government support and stakeholder involvement to maximize impact:
“This pilot phase will start in 10 states. We want to see people creating intricate designs on shoes, bags, apparel—even home décor. Many youths have natural creativity but lack technical know-how. By offering access to affordable machines and targeted training, we’re bridging that gap.”
He further noted that digitizing embroidery through software is a key focus of the programme—helping participants not just operate machinery, but also create and size their own custom designs efficiently.
Michael Zuo, Senior Sales Executive at Dahao, expressed optimism about the Nigerian market, revealing that the company is exploring the establishment of a branch office in the country to further support the embroidery ecosystem.
In a show of government interest, Hon. Adamson Ayinde, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, was represented by Dr. Taiwo Bashir. He lauded the programme as a “golden opportunity” for Nigeria’s youth, stating that the federal government is open to partnerships that support job creation and entrepreneurship.
“The embroidery sector is a multi-million dollar industry, yet still relatively untapped in Nigeria,” Bashir said. “There’s immense potential here. Those who act early and strategically will be the big winners in this emerging space.”
The initiative signals a promising step toward industrializing Nigeria’s creative economy by merging traditional artistry with modern technology—empowering young people along the way.
