Header: ASFW Nairobi
The African fashion and textile landscape is shifting, and from April 30 to May 2, 2026, the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi will become the epicentre of this transformation. The 5th edition of ASFW Nairobi, Africa’s premier sourcing expo, is set to welcome over 5,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, including design powerhouses like Italy, Japan, and India.
As the industry pivots toward sustainable practices and global competitiveness, ASFW Nairobi serves as the essential meeting ground for home textiles, leather, and footwear. This year’s event isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a strategic dialogue featuring over 1,000 participants discussing the future of manufacturing, finance, and empowerment across the continent.
Speaker & Program Highlights: Design Meets Strategy
The three-day conference program is packed with heavy hitters from the worlds of diplomacy, industry, and high fashion. Designers and industry professionals can expect deep dives into the technical and creative facets of the trade.
- Global Perspectives: Opening remarks will feature Detlef Braun (Messe Frankfurt GmbH) and Sebastian Groth (German Ambassador to Kenya), bridging the gap between European markets and African production.
- The Sustainability Shift: On April 30, a dedicated panel including Beatrice Vaskyte (UNEP) and Anne Wamae will explore how Africa is responding to international textile sustainability regulations.
- The Intellectual Property Frontier: For designers looking to scale, a critical session on May 1 features Liz Lenjo and Mitchel Kakai discussing intellectual property rights in international markets.
- The Art of Branding: Olive Gachara (Couture Africa) and Claudia Franz (Messe Frankfurt) will lead a session on storytelling and the vital collaboration between designers and manufacturers.
The Program: A three-day journey of innovation
The festival kicks off on Thursday, April 30, with a high-profile inauguration and official tour led by government partners and international organisers. The afternoon focuses on industrial growth, featuring a session on scaling East Africa’s apparel and leather industries through industrial parks, followed by a crucial discussion on building TVET-industry collaborations to empower youth entrepreneurship. The day concludes with a look at international sustainability regulations and an exclusive, invitation-only “Elegance” fashion show at 7:00 pm.
On Friday, May 1, the narrative shifts toward small-scale innovation and the circular economy. The morning explores digital trade for artisans and SMEs, alongside a deep dive into recycling and waste-to-value models. Afternoon highlights include sessions on social compliance as a marketing tool for global export readiness and a vital talk on intellectual property rights. The day peaks with a focus on branding and storytelling, capped off by the ASFW Nairobi Runway Show featuring celebrated African designers at 5:20 pm.
The final day, Saturday, May 2, addresses the local supply chain, emphasising the synergy between localised retail and supporting sectors like Fintech and Banking. The program wraps up with an exploration of “Premium Leather Made in Africa,” focusing on high-standard international quality, and a grand finale International Designers Runway Show at 3:00 pm.
Event details
Dates: 30 April – 2 May 2026
Location: Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
Exhibition Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Core Product Groups: Fabrics, Fashion, Technology, Home, Leather, Footwear, and Services.
Expected Reach: 200+ Exhibitors from 30+ Countries; 5,000+ Visitors.
