Africa-Europe Mayors’ Dialogue, Milan-Freetown Partnership on Fashion and Textile

The Africa-Europe Mayors’ Dialogue is a platform of twenty African and European mayors aiming to change the dominant narrative of migration between Africa and Europe, focusing on the opportunities that connecting cultures and people can bring to cities in both continents and the vital contribution of migrants to economies and societies. In this framework, the cities of Milan and Freetown are working together to create opportunities for exchange and collaboration between their fashion/design industries and creative communities, such as skills exchanges between designers, broker networks and alliances amongst textile manufacturers, and to support business development and investment in Sierra Leone’s fashion industry. In Freetown, the objectives are: 1. To establish and support the National Fashion & Design Council including Sierra Leonean designers and manufacturers (based in SL or abroad) 2. To create and consolidate the ‘Made in Sierra Leone’ brand to help position the country in global fashion markets 3. To implement a long-term skills development and training program alongside targeted mentoring and business development services. In Milan, this partnership will support fashion industry efforts to investigate sustainable dyes, textiles, and ethical sourcing options and explore innovative commercial partnerships with stakeholders in Sierra Leone, as well as wider opportunities in West African markets.