German trade fair giant Messe Frankfurt has announced a major expansion into East Africa, confirming that three of its flagship textile exhibitions will debut in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2027, in a move that signals the region’s rising prominence in global sourcing and manufacturing.
The company revealed that Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess will be integrated into the Nairobi edition of Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week on an annual basis. The announcement was made during the opening of the sourcing event, which has grown into a key platform for textile trade and investment across Africa.
The expansion highlights East Africa’s growing appeal as a competitive alternative in global textile supply chains, particularly as brands and retailers continue to diversify sourcing strategies beyond traditional Asian markets. Kenya, in particular, has emerged as a promising hub due to its relatively stable political environment, improving access to renewable energy, and expanding base of skilled labor and design talent.
Industry observers say the move by Messe Frankfurt reflects a broader shift toward regionalization in textile production, where proximity to key consumer markets, shorter lead times, and supply chain resilience are becoming critical. Nairobi’s strategic location also offers logistical advantages, including shorter shipping routes to Europe and the Middle East compared to Asian manufacturing centers.
By embedding its established global brands into the Nairobi platform, Messe Frankfurt aims to elevate the event’s international profile while strengthening connections between African manufacturers and global buyers. The integrated platform is expected to cover the full textile value chain, from raw materials and fabrics to garment production and processing technologies.
Organizers anticipate around 150 exhibitors and more than 5,000 trade visitors from over 50 countries for the 2026 edition of Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week, with significant growth projected following the introduction of the additional trade fair brands in 2027. The expanded event is expected to play a critical role in positioning Nairobi as a central node in global textile sourcing networks.
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Speaking on the development, Detlef Braun, a member of the executive board at Messe Frankfurt, emphasized Africa’s emergence as a key growth frontier for the global textile industry. He noted that the company’s strategy focuses on building long-term partnerships that foster sustainable industrial development while creating new business opportunities for both local producers and international stakeholders.
Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, described the expansion as a natural extension of the company’s global Texpertise Network, which connects textile industry players across more than 60 trade fairs worldwide. He highlighted the importance of linking international demand with regional supply capabilities, particularly in emerging markets such as East Africa.
Local industry leaders also see strong potential in the initiative. Skander Negasi, CEO of Trade and Fairs Group, pointed out that Kenya’s textile and apparel sector is expanding rapidly, with exports currently valued at around $500 million annually. He added that the country is increasingly attracting global brands seeking agile supply chains, faster turnaround times, and diversified sourcing options.
The move comes at a time when global apparel and textile companies are actively reassessing supply chain strategies in response to geopolitical tensions, trade policy changes, and sustainability requirements. Africa, with its growing manufacturing base and favorable trade agreements, is becoming an increasingly important part of that equation.
Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network already connects more than 500,000 industry participants worldwide, offering platforms for business development, innovation, and knowledge exchange. The addition of Nairobi to its portfolio underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in high-growth regions while supporting the evolution of the global textile ecosystem.
As the textile industry continues to evolve, the launch of these major trade fairs in Nairobi is expected to accelerate investment, enhance market access for African producers, and further integrate the continent into global value chains.
