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Rejoice Makoni

Herald Correspondent

Small and M edium Enterprise and Cooperative Development Minister Dr Stembiso Nyoni recently launched the Zimbabwe Fashion Council (ZFC) at a colourful event held at a local hotel in Harare.

ZFC which is a non-profit making organisation that aims to foster and direct the growth of a resilient, transparent, innovative, sustainable and inclusive fashion and textile industry in Zimbabwe, saw designers, fashionistas and Government ministry officials attending.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Nyoni said the birth of ZFC is a blessing to the nation as the country is endowed with talented fashion designers.

‘’Unlocking the potential in our designers will make a meaningful contribution to the Zimbabwean GDP, as is the case with the fashion industry regionally.

“ Our designers need to help in establishing a good balance between exports and imports of textiles and thereby minimize the export of jobs that are taking place due to total dependence on imported fashions.

“It is noteworthy to appreciate that the objectives of the ZFC are very much aligned to the National Development Strategic Plan (NDS1), African Union agenda 2063, “ said the Minister.

She also said that ZFC will promote export promotion and import substitution as well as gender mainstreaming.

“The guiding policy document in the continent is the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which also provides highlights on Industrialization and manufacturing.

‘’The policy document speaks to the need by member states to put in place an industrial policy framework that promotes value addition and generates employment creation.

“Through its membership, ZFC will drive the productivity of youths and women through various initiatives like the Zimbabwe Young Designers Competition.

‘’The competition is targeted at developing the youths who are about to graduate to develop an entrepreneurial and job creation mindset ‘’ she added.

“Another initiative is the Sikai Create Fashion and Textiles Trade Expo, which is the first such annual initiative for this sector. The expo will help drive trade and seek to develop and promote the local fashion industry through innovative programs.”

ZFC chairman Patson Gasura said fashion is home to a number of players such as farmers, designers and creators among others.

“Our aim is to create a platform for conferences, seminars, collaborations and workshops to enhance productivity in the fashion industry ‘’ he said.