Africa’s biggest expo for Sourcing of Textile, Apparel, Leather and Fashion Industry

Africa’s textile and leather industries are stepping into sharper global focus as the continent increasingly positions itself as a serious sourcing partner for the fashion and lifestyle sectors. With a population of more than 1.4 billion people, a young and expanding workforce, and abundant natural resources — including cotton, hides, and skins — Africa offers a compelling case for responsible investment, innovation, and localised production. Across countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa, textile, apparel, and leather value chains already support millions of livelihoods while playing a vital role in export economies. As sustainable sourcing practices accelerate and regional trade frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) begin to unlock intra-African supply chains, the continent is asserting itself not as a future opportunity, but as an active force within today’s global fashion economy.

Against this backdrop, the fifth edition of ASFW Nairobi will take place from 30 April to 2 May 2026, bringing together more than 200 exhibitors spanning textiles, apparel, leather, machinery, and manufacturing innovation. The event will host participants from over 30 countries, including Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, the UAE, Uganda, and the UK, underscoring Africa’s growing integration within global production networks.

Alongside the exhibition, a curated conference programme will explore the issues shaping the industry today — from sustainability and technology to trade policy, investment, e-commerce, and evolving sourcing models. It will offer space for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration at a pivotal moment for the sector.