Inside ONCHEK: How a Nigerian Startup is Rewiring Africa’s Fashion Supply Chain
ONCHEK, a Nigerian startup founded in 2016, is tackling a fundamental challenge in Africa’s fashion industry: the reliance on imported basic garments. The company is building Nigeria’s first end-to-end T-shirt manufacturing company, aiming to disrupt the traditional, globally dispersed supply chain. By focusing on local production, ONCHEK hopes to capture value within Nigeria and demonstrate that Africa’s next wave of innovation extends beyond digital apps to include manufacturing powered by data, design, and operational excellence.
From Marketplace to Manufacturing Powerhouse
Initially, ONCHEK operated as an online marketplace, curating and showcasing African fashion brands. However, in 2019, founder Chekwas Okafor shifted the company’s focus. Recognizing the inefficiency and cost associated with importing even basic garments like T-shirts, ONCHEK pivoted to establishing a vertically integrated manufacturing facility. This facility, producing 100% locally made cotton garments under its own brand, Merok, aims to address the irony of West African cotton being shipped overseas for processing only to be imported back as finished products. The company is proving that everyday garments can be reliably and efficiently manufactured within Nigeria.
ONCHEK’s journey highlights a growing trend in Africa: a move towards local manufacturing and value addition. By creating a fully integrated T-shirt production company, the startup is not only creating jobs but also demonstrating the potential for a more sustainable and self-reliant fashion industry in Nigeria and beyond. The company’s success could pave the way for similar initiatives across the continent, reducing dependence on imports and fostering economic growth.
Keywords
Related Keywords: ONCHEK, African fashion supply chain, Nigerian startup, fashion technology, supply chain optimization, ethical fashion Africa, sustainable fashion Africa, Africa fashion industry, B2B fashion marketplace Africa, digitizing fashion supply chain
