On Thursday 13th October 2022, Sierra Leoneans showcased the country’s culture at the African-Türkiye fashion and Textile Expo 2022. The event which was held in Istanbul, Turkey, is geared towards promoting businesses and showcasing the African culture.
In attendance was Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Turkiye, Mohamed Hassan Kai-Samba, who participated in the African-Turkiye Fashion & Textile Expo 2022, and affirmed that the country is ready for business.
The Expo was organized by the Istanbul African Business Association, whose focus is to connect and promote businesses and trade opportunities in Türkiye for the African business community and beyond.
Ambassador Kai-Samba, congratulated the organizers of the 2022, and said that the relationship between Africa and Türkiye on both the economic and diplomatic front is very strong. He noted that the country’s influence on the continent is visible and positively felt.
“Türkiye has been seeking to strengthen its influence in the continent through Africa tours, summits and forums like this special Africa-Turkey Textile and Fashion Expo. I have no doubt that this relationship between the African continent and Türkiye can only get better and stronger. No wonder, therefore, that, Türkiye is becoming Africa’s leading trade partner. It gratifies me to say that this relationship with Africa is not based on colonialism, but on a shared vision of genuine partnerships meant to foster growth and development for both Türkiye and Africa”, he noted.
Ambassador Kai-Samba, further told the gathering that with a long history of textile manufacturing dating back to the Ottoman Empire, Türkiye still remains an important country in the global textile and apparel industry.
“As we enjoy and fascinate over the high quality of exhibits in this Exposition, let me take this opportunity to call upon all the businesses present here – exporters and manufacturers, to think and actively consider Africa for the location of Textile and fashion industries. We have what it takes to move your business forward in Africa. Over the past decade, sub-Saharan Africa has become the top-reforming region globally. An entrepreneur can now register a business in 20 days or less in 26 of sub-Saharan Africa’s 48 economies”, he concluded.
Representing Sierra Leone in the Expo, Isata Harrison, with brand name “IZELIA” displayed the fashion and fabrics of the country in Turkiye. She said that her design has expanded with Textile and garment factory in Kingtom, Freetown; adding that she train young entrepreneurs with their business to excel in the global market.
Other Sierra Leoneans showcased the true meaning of Sierra Leonean fashion and they displayed the robust fabrics of Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole – which left the gathering in a state of amazement and admiration.
For More Inquiries:
Sierra Leone Embassy, Ankara, Turkey
sierraleoneembassyturkey@gmail.com
Twitter: @TurkeySLE
Facebook: Sierra Leone Embassy, Turkey
