Weaving Festival : Experts Harp On Harnessing Sector For Economic Development

Stakeholders in the arts and crafts industry from Botswana, Burkina Faso and Ghana have converged on Abuja for the third edition of the African Weaving Festival, AWef 2025.

Declaring the 3 day Weaving Festival open, the Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Olubunmi Olowookere commended the organizers of the programme for showcasing the unique arts and crafts weaving industry towards promoting African culture and empowering artisans most especially women who are major players in the industry.

Mrs Olowookere, who was also the Chairman of the occasion, called for more public private sector collaboration towards developing the African weaving fabrics towards boosting the economy of the continent.

In his keynote address, the National Secretary, Nigeria – China Business Council, Alhaji Ali Adamu advised Weavers to be consistent in their branding strategies and be creative towards attracting patronage.

Alhaji Adamu also stressed the need for them to always take advantage of Government’s intervention in their various countries to enhance their productivity.

In her goodwill message, the High Commission of Botswana in Nigeria, Mrs Phildan Nani Kereng expressed the hope that the annual African weaving festival would not only promote unity, peace and cultural cohesion but also empower rural women economically and boost the GDP of the continent.

She stressed the need for more investment in the weaving industry to further promote fabrics and boost economic development of the African continent.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Strategic and Mobilization, FCT Department of Culture and African Weaving Festival, Mr Sam Agbi said the annual African Weaving Festival is among other things aimed at celebrating Africa’s rich textile heritage and highlight the role of indigenous fabrics in promoting cultural identity, creativity, and continental unity.

Mr Sam Agbi stated that beyond its cultural significance, AWeF also contributes to tourism development by attracting visitors, exhibitors, and cultural enthusiasts from across Africa and the diaspora.

According to him, it equally provides a vibrant platform for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural tourism potential — encouraging heritage preservation, craft-based entrepreneurship, and cross-border cultural exchange.

In his words, “Effective participation of stakeholders would further promote Nigerian arts, culture, and tourism as vital tools for national development and international cooperation.”

The occasion which was attended by major players and stakeholders in the African arts, crafts, and tourism sector, featured fashion runaway and tour of the exhibition stands by the Weavers.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji