Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth

By: Michael Mike

The drive to unearth the potential of Nigeria’s creative sector and further empowers the youth has received a boost as a youth-focused initiative aimed at building sustainable fashion-based businesses across the country.was unveiled on Wednesday

The unveiling was done in Abuja by Embroidery Chief in collaboration with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong,

Speaking during the unveiling at a stakeholders’ engagement themed “Stitching the Future: Building Sustainable Embroidery Businesses in Africa,” the Founder of Embroidery Chief, Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam, said that the initiative is designed to empower young Nigerians with practical embroidery and fashion design skills that can be turned into profitable ventures.

According to him, the project launched in partnership with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong, will begin with the establishment of innovation hubs in 10 states, including Lagos and Kano. Each hub will be equipped with 50 embroidery machines, offered at subsidized rates to make them accessible to young entrepreneurs.

Abdulsalam noted that training programmes will run in three phases: one month for design, two weeks for machine operation, and one month for technical repairs.

He said that many young Nigerians already possess natural creativity but lack the technical skills to fully express and monetize their talent.

Abdulsalam said: “The purpose of this gathering is to raise awareness about key issues in the fashion industry, how individuals can upscale, identify existing gaps, and connect with the right people and opportunities.

“We aim to collaborate with the government, which is why we have key stakeholders here today. Our plan is to establish hubs in about 10 states. Each hub will receive approximately 50 embroidery machines, and we will train end users on machine operation, technical support, and digital design creation.

“This initiative will begin with 10 states as a pilot. We are committed to empowering individuals by providing these machines at subsidized rates, making them affordable for emerging entrepreneurs.

“In Nigeria, many people still lack the technical knowledge to properly size and digitize designs using software. That’s why training is essential. Once people learn how to use both the machines and the software effectively, it will foster healthy competition and unlock creativity across the board.

“Youth will be able to create designs on sneakers, shoes, bags, clothing, even decorative frames. The possibilities are vast, and with the right skills, we can unlock an entirely new wave of innovation in the fashion industry.”

In his remarks, Michael Zuo, Senior Sales Executive at Dahao, said the company is seriously considering setting up a branch office in Nigeria to support the growth of the embroidery ecosystem.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde who was represented by Dr Taiwo Bashir, described the initiative as a golden opportunity for Nigerian youth.

He noted that there are numerous areas where the government can collaborate, which is likely why the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President asked him to attend the event on his behalf.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for Nigerian youth, as the embroidery industry is worth millions of dollars and still largely untapped. There is so much to be done, and anyone with the vision and willingness to act now stands to benefit immensely.”

Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth