A pan-African fashion technology firm, Ananse, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, has launched the Ananse Center for Design Lagos, a 1,200-square-metre facility in Lekki aimed at training 50,000 young fashion entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Speaking at the unveiling, Ananse chief executive officer, Samuel Mensah, said the centre was established to address persistent challenges faced by African creatives, including limited access to quality production facilities, business training, and international markets. He noted that the hub combines skill development, infrastructure, and e-commerce support to strengthen the creative value chain.
The centre is equipped with studios for clothing, footwear, and leatherwork, as well as digital design and content production labs. Its training programme covers five certified modules, Basic Business Skills, Business Development, Digital Marketing, E-commerce, and Product Development, approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to ensure graduates receive recognised qualifications.
Country director for the Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn said, the initiative supports inclusion and sustainability in the creative sector, noting that, it accommodates women, caregivers, and persons with disabilities through flexible physical and online participation. She added that, the Foundation is exploring renewable energy solutions to address power constraints faced by small enterprises. Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the collaboration as consistent with government’s drive for job creation and economic diversification. She said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s creative-economy target of contributing $100 billion to GDP and creating 2.5 million jobs by 2030, with fashion expected to play a major role.
Mensah disclosed that most courses are free or subsidised through Mastercard Foundation’s support and that the facility includes childcare spaces and pay-per-hour access to production equipment. He said the Lagos hub will serve as a pilot model for similar centres nationwide under a partnership with the Federal Government.
