The first ever Africa Makeup and Beauty Fair has been opened at the Providence Events and Recreation Center near the International Trade Fair Centre in Accra.
Organized by Makeup Ghana, the four-day event seeks to bring African makeup artists, other industry service providers as well as clients on a common platform to transact business and also to exchange expertise and network.
The fair which is planned to take place in other African countries in the future recorded an impressive participation from both local and international makeup brands, accessories, manufacturers and top makeup personalities.
Organizers say the event is aimed at connecting and showcasing African makeup and beauty industry to global consumers, vendors and service providers.
On display at the fair were wide range of latest cosmetic products and makeup kits by the top industry players such as Black Secret, Glams, American Beauty Care, Sarah’s Beauty Secrets International .
A couple of workshops have been programmed as part of the fair to build the capacity of both professionals and up and coming makeup artists.
In her opening remarks the CEO of Makeup Ghana, Rebecca Donkor, said the fair is about showcasing the uniqueness of the African makeup and beauty industry.
She believes it will influence those in the industry with its diverse culture, unique ingredients and the entrepreneurial passion of participants.
According to her, it will equip them as they acquire the needed knowledge and embracing best practices from across the world to expand the makeup and beauty industry in Africa.
“Together we can bring the world of makeup and beauty to Ghana each year to show case and celebrate our uniqueness as Ghanaians.
“We can do this while embracing knowledge across Africa and the world to expand our horizons beyond the shores of Ghana,” she said.
She noted that showcasing the products and services of brands of all sizes across multiple sectors within the industry is one important thing she wants executed.
According to her, coming out with the Africa Makeup and Beauty Fair is as a result of feedback and requests from our exhibitors and attendees of our first event.
After the Makeup Ghana Connects was held in 2016, a consensus was reached for an expanded continent-wide focused event, bringing together the African makeup and beauty industry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony the former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Madam Dzifa Gomashie who described herself as a fan of the industry commended the organizers for their effort to boost the industry.
She advised the practitioners to form an umbrella body enable them to approach government with their concerns.
Madam Gomashie was positive government will support them in their operations especially with regards to taxes to boost their business.
Also speaking at the event, the CEO of Second Image International, Nikki Boamponsem, cautioned makeup lovers especially the young ladies to desist from bleaching since it has devastating consequences on their skin during their old age.
She advised the makeup artistes to take bold steps to explain to their clients when they ask for a particular service that has the potential to damage their skin forever.
