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Youth

Nigeria's Embroidery Initiative: A Path to Economic Empowerment and Job Creation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a bid to tackle high youth unemployment in Nigeria, innovative solutions are emerging to transform traditional crafts into structured, income-generating sectors. One such initiative is the embroidery industry, led by entrepreneur and expert Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam. With plans to establish embroidery hubs in 10 states, equipped with 50 machines each, Abdulsalam aims to create over 2,000 jobs in the first phase, targeting unemployed youth and aspiring fashion entrepreneurs. The initiative has gained attention from the Office of the President, with Ayinde Adamson, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, pledging government support, including subsidies for machines and technical training.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigeria embroidery sector is expected to grow significantly from $50 million in 2025 to nearly $138 million by 2033, according to Cognitive Market Research.
  • The continental Africa cotton embroidery market is poised for expansion, with an expected value of approximately $259 million by 2035, according to IndexBox.
  • The proposed embroidery hubs will provide hands-on training in digital design, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
  • The initiative aims to address challenges like limited access to finance, equipment, and technical skills, which affect Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
  • The fashion and creative sectors in Africa have shown potential for growth, with the potential to generate over $15 billion in annual revenue, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB).
  • Global demand for bespoke fashion and handmade embellishments is opening new markets, with brands like With Nothing Underneath and O Pioneers experiencing a 93% growth in in-store embroidery services.
  • Abdulsalam's initiative has attracted international interest, with FUTONG, a Chinese embroidery machine company, announcing a partnership and investment in Nigeria's embroidery ecosystem.

Statistics:

  • In 2023, Nigeria exported only $249,000 worth of embroidery products, while importing nearly $110 million, mainly from China, Austria, Switzerland, India, and Thailand, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
  • The global embroidery market is valued at $0.48 billion as of 2024, with a projected CAGR of 2.9% through 2034, according to Prophecy Market Insights.
  • By 2035, Africa's cotton embroidery market is expected to reach 12,000 tonnes, valued at approximately $259 million, according to IndexBox.
  • Nigeria's fashion industry is currently valued at more than $10 billion, with a potential to generate significant employment and revenue if properly harnessed, according to SMEDAN Director-General, Mr. Charles Odii.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria, 07 August 2025
  • Prophecy Market Insights
  • Cognitive Market Research
  • IndexBox
  • African Development Bank (AfDB)
  • SMEDAN
  • National Bureau of Statistics
  • Financial Times
  • Market Growth Reports
  • Observatory of Economic Complexity

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