FIMA 2022: Fashion and creation as vectors of development in Africa

The 14th edition of FIMA, the International Festival of Fashion in Africa, will be held from December 7 to 10, 2022 at the historic site of Chellah in the city of Rabat, designated African Capital of Culture until May 2023 as part of the “African Capitals of Culture” program initiated by UCLG Africa.

The festival, founded by the internationally renowned Nigerian designer and UNESCO Artist for Peace, Alphadi, is placed under the theme: “The Synergy of Cultures for the Development of Africa”.

Its inauguration was marked by the presence of the First Lady of Cape Verde and official sponsor of FIMA, Mrs. Deborah Katisa Morais Brazao Carvalho, the representative of HEM Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Culture of Morocco, the Nigerian Minister of Post and New Information Technologies, HEM Hassane Baraze Moussa, the Ambassador of Niger in Morocco, HEM Salissou Ada, the representative of UNESCO for the Maghreb, Mr. Eric Falt, and Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa.

Many personalities from Africa and other continents have made the trip for this event, whose objectives are to make Africa a hub of the fashion industry, arts and culture, and promote this industry as a vector of development. Olivia Yacé, Miss Ivory Coast 2021 and second runner-up of the Miss World 2022 contest, is among the special guests who marked this edition.

On the second day of FIMA, a round table was held on the theme “Culture and Education”, and was an opportunity for the Secretary General of UCLG Africa, Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, to address a message to the young participants: “It is in Africa that Man was born on Earth. It is here that we will rebuild a world where dignity will be the reality of each of us. Today, you are social cadets. Tomorrow, it will be up to you to build a world of equality, and it is only in the field of culture that no one is superior to the other. Africa has the largest youth population in the world. Since you are the most numerous, you must also be careful not to crush others. In a world of equality, you are the guardians of solidarity and dignity for all, as well as the promoters of self-esteem. Without self-esteem, there can be no development. So, listen carefully to the cultural actors present here and be aware that the fate of Africa is in your hands.”

The “African Capitals of Culture”, promoted by UCLG Africa, works for cultural reappropriation and aims, among other things, to help African artists demonstrate their capacity to be the drivers of local economy.

For his part, Alphadi said that “Africa is also capable of educating. We need to help our schools and keep our young people, including our creators and top models.”

Moderated by the Cameroonian journalist Hortense Assaga, this meeting saw the intervention of:

Abderrahmane OUARDANE (Morocco), plastic artist, President and Founder of the ARKANE Association for the promotion of art and the safeguarding of heritage and Vice President of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries – Visual Arts Sector (FICC – CGEM General Confederation of Moroccan Companies).

Hicham Lahlou (Morocco), international designer and interior architect (Morocco), founder of the Africa Design Award&Days project (ADA & ADD).

Eugène Ébodé (Cameroon), writer, academic and journalist, Administrator of the Chair of African Literature and Arts at the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Rabiaa Mahrouch (Morocco), writer, editor, doctor of French and comparative literature, researcher associated with the Rirra 21 laboratory, University of Montpellier 3.

Bouchra By (Morocco), Director General of College Lasalle Morocco, subsidiary of LCI Education Montreal-Quebec.

The panelists stressed the need to include design in the university curriculum in French-speaking Africa, and to deconstruct the prejudices that the professions of design and fashion suffer and the clichés with which they are associated, to give more young Africans the opportunity to work in this industry and contribute to the development of their countries.

The sharing of experience of experts has highlighted the role of publishing in breaking down the barriers within the African literary space to allow a gathering of creativity that arises from the various cultures of the continent, from north to south.

The speakers also noted the importance for the African continent to promote the inclusiveness of cultural and creative industries in the economic system in a transversal way, to explore the solutions they can bring for a sustainable development, and to accompany design companies in their quest for financing.

During these four days of FIMA, designers, stylists, model makers and fashion actors in Africa will exchange their experience, find new partners and multiply contacts through a program that includes competitions, exhibitions of paintings, African textiles and creations, roundtables on various themes related to culture, and fashion shows that will represent 32 African countries and the five continents.