The business essential training was aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by Nigerian fashion SMEs, which was led by industry experts Eme Bassey and Lanre Shonoiki, proved to be a pivotal moment for 20 participating businesses.
While recognising the inherent challenges of the fashion supply chain, the training applied Lean Philosophy to the value chain, emphasising efficiency along the supply chain. This approach was inspired by the complexity of the fashion supply chain, even in a functional economy. However, the additional challenges in the Nigerian context underscored the critical need for efficiency.
Participants were guided through steps to create value in each category, such as sourcing unique inputs through local artisan partnerships, engaging loyal customers in the product development process, and implementing quantity-limited releases for exclusiveness. As the two-day training ended, participants reflected on the invaluable insights gained. Many expressed delight at the new perspective they had acquired on their businesses and the broader industry. For some, it was a first-time experience of gaining a top-down view of their industry, complementing their existing knowledge and providing a three-dimensional frame for better business decision-making.