Open markets drive Africa's fashion economy and absorb 80% of the world's secondhand clothing, yet remain largely unregulated. The effect became alarmingly clear in January 2025, when the Kantamanto fire wiped out the livelihoods of more than 30,000 retailers, tailors, and upcyclers overnight.

The International Labour Organization estimates that between 80% and 90% of employment is in Africa’s Fashion Industry is informal, meaning workers lack formal employment contracts, and access to labour law protections.

Agenda 2063 is often treated as a distant vision document, yet its priorities are already shaping Africa’s industrial, trade, labour, and cultural policy landscape.

Informal fashion markets drive livelihoods and culture, raising critical questions about regulation without eroding economic and social value.

Reducing formalisation barriers can unlock finance, social protection, and market access for street tailors and artisans.