The African Development Bank in collaboration with the Hub of Africa and HIVOS International hosted on October, 4th in Addis Ababa the first Fashionomics Africa Disrupt!/FASHION! Masterclass.

The Masterclass intends to give a better grasp of establishing and building a fashion brand (from idea to execution). It focuses on: (i) capacity building on business development; (ii) branding, marketing, and networking; (iii) Fostering market linkages; and (iv) providing a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities African fashion entrepreneurs encounter in running a fashion business and sharing of best practices and international standards.

On the occasion of this event, we interviewed some of the designers and asked their opinion about the Masterclass and the Fashionomics initiative.

The first quote comes from Marnin Van Holland, Programme Development Manager for Hivos International:

- What do you think about the #Disrupt! #Fashion! Masterclass and how do you wish to apply the knowledge?

- As a trainer, I felt it was important to provide both early stage/ ideation phase entrepreneurs and those that have ongoing businesses with insights, tools and inspiration. Not everyone will have the same take-away. However, I think the peer-to-peer learning amongst themselves and the combined knowledge in the room was the most promising.

- How can Fashionomics help African fashion entrepreneurs to create/grow their business?

- If Fashionomics combines the network, information and outreach with actual on-the-ground training and access to finance, there is a huge potential. Multiple days of structured/ tailored mentoring embedded in a structured program is needed to fully reach the sector's full potential. The first steps have been set. Now we need to move forward. Together.