Africa’s biggest trade event for textiles, apparel and fashion opens in Ethiopia’s capital on Thursday, bringing more than 200 exhibitors and an expected 6,000 visitors to the continent’s fast-growing sourcing hub.
The 12th Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) will run from Nov. 12 to 15 at the Addis International Convention Center, with doors open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, according to organisers.
Exhibitors from more than 30 countries will present fabrics, fashion, leather, machinery and technology, while visitors from over 70 nations are expected, including Bangladesh, China, Germany, India, Italy, Kenya, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
The fair carries weight beyond Africa. Messe Frankfurt, the German organiser behind Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess, has partnered with ASFW and brought its brands to Addis Ababa, linking African producers with global retailers, designers and manufacturers.
A conference, billed as Africa’s largest textile and garment discussion platform, will cover sustainability, technology, trade policy, innovation, e-commerce, investment and sourcing trends. Speakers will come from African and international institutions, government bodies and companies. Three high-end fashion shows are also scheduled there.
The event comes as Ethiopia courts apparel investment and buyers look to diversify supply chains beyond traditional Asian hubs. Organisers say the programme is aimed at decision-makers from retail, interior decoration, design and manufacturing.
Support for the fair also comes from Ethiopian government ministries and international bodies including the International Labour Organization, the International Trade Centre, GIZ and the European Union with UNIDO.
Registration for a free visitor badge is now open on the ASFW website, while exhibitor enquiries are handled through Trade and Fairs Consulting and its East Africa office.
Organisers describe the fair as a barometer for the wider business, with a high proportion of senior decision-makers among its international visitors and buyers.