Dakar, Senegal is set to host West and North Africa’s main expo for the sourcing of cotton, textile, apparel, leather and fashion textiles on the continent.
West Africa’s textile sector is a significant yet often under-recognised force within the global supply landscape. According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), the region produces an estimated 100 million metres of fabric each year, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal among its leading manufacturing centres. At the same time, West Africa imports close to US$5 billion worth of textiles annually — a figure that highlights both existing demand and the opportunity for strengthened regional production.
Across the region, governments are taking steps to revitalise and expand domestic textile industries. Countries including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria have introduced initiatives aimed at rebuilding manufacturing capacity and supporting local value chains. In Nigeria, the National Cotton, Textile, and Garment Policy seeks to stimulate the sector through incentives for local production, signalling renewed commitment to industrial development and job creation.
This momentum makes Senegal a natural host for the first major West and North Africa–focused sourcing exhibition dedicated to cotton, textiles, apparel, leather, and the wider fashion industry. ASFW Dakar will take place from 28–29 March 2026 and is currently welcoming exhibitors, positioning the city as a growing nexus for regional and international trade.
ASFW Dakar brings together professionals from across fashion, accessories, interiors, design, and manufacturing, creating space for meaningful connection between producers, buyers, and industry decision-makers. With a strong international visitor profile and a high concentration of senior stakeholders, the event reflects the shifting dynamics of sourcing, production, and investment across Africa, offering a timely snapshot of where the industry is headed.
The above pictures are from the fourth edition of ASFW Nairobi. Find out more about this year’s exhibition in Kenya here.