The $2.5 trillion fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally, responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions—more than international flights and shipping combined. It consumes vast resources, with a single pair of jeans requiring 7,500 liters of water, and produces 92 million tons of textile waste annually. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, where it decomposes slowly, releasing harmful greenhouse gases like methane and leaching toxic chemicals into the soil and water.

Additionally, synthetic textiles such as polyester account for 35% of microplastics polluting oceans, threatening marine life and the food chain. Africa bears the brunt of this crisis, receiving large volumes of secondhand clothing that overwhelm waste management systems and further strain local environments.

At the same time, 80% of the garment workforce are women, many of whom face unsafe working conditions and low wages. Despite their potential to lead a sustainable fashion movement, African artisans and small-scale fashion brands—many of whom champion traditional, low-impact techniques—struggle to scale due to limited market access, lack of operational resources, and minimal integration into the global circular economy. Without a platform to amplify their work, their potential to lead a sustainable fashion revolution remains untapped.