Kaino Matheus, the brains behind ‘Couture by Kim’ said unity is critical to help better the industry.
She said if designers collaborate more, through associations, shared platforms, and collective initiatives, they can strengthen the industry.
Matheus said structure can help shift the mindset from competition to collaboration.
She added the fashion industry in Namibia is not fully recognised as a serious economic contributor, despite its potential to create employment, promote culture, and support tourism.
Matheus noted that compared to sectors like mining or agriculture, the creative industry receives limited policy attention and financial support.
According to her, Namibia has a rich cultural identity that can position its fashion industry globally.
She maintains that with proper structure, policy development, and collaboration, the industry can contribute meaningfully to employment, tourism, and economic growth.
Matheus added that fashion is a powerful storytelling tool that represents the countries national identity, and it should be positioned as both a cultural and economic driver.
She said the industry still lacks full recognition at policy level.
She says one of the biggest challenges that the industry is faced with is the high cost and limited availability of quality tools, fabrics, and materials locally.
“Many designers depend on retailers, while we do not always have the privilege to import directly due to strict customs processes.
This puts us behind in terms of technological development and innovation.
There is also a lack of structured funding and limited access to industrial machinery needed to scale production,” Matheus said.
She said Namibia does not lack talent as there are skilled designers, active suppliers, and training institutions.
However, Matheus argues, the challenge is that all these elements exist without a unifying system.
“There are no clear national standards for pricing, employment, or production.
Limited funding opportunities and weak collaboration structures also make it difficult for designers to grow.
There is also a mismatch between the number of trained designers and available market opportunities.
Many graduates enter an industry with limited demand, weak retail integration, and no clear pathways into sustainable employment or business growth.
As a result, most designers operate informally and struggle to scale beyond small businesses”
