Header: ASFW Dakar
Now that the doors have closed on the first-ever ASFW Dakar, we are bringing you the key highlights from what was a landmark week for West African design. Following a successful run in Addis Ababa late last year, the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) arrived at the Centre des Expositions de Diamniadio last month to establish a new home in Senegal. The event quickly proved its worth, hosting 1,245 professional visitors from 40 different countries and creating a massive buzz across the region.
The event, organised by Trade and Fairs Consulting and supported by the German cooperation through initiatives like #InvestforJobs, brought together 75 exhibitors from 17 countries. From the vibrant textile hubs of Ghana and Nigeria to European partners in France and Italy, the floor was a busy space for trade and discovery. But more than that, this conference was about building the supply chains that will carry African fashion into the next decade.
Building connections across the value chain
The three-day conference stood out as a place for honest, practical talk about the future of the industry. Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), spoke to a packed room about the need for togetherness. He pointed out that manufacturers cannot grow in isolation; they need to collaborate to find real success. His message was clear: visibility is good, but working together on everything from raw materials to final sales is what actually moves the needle.
Sustainability was another major theme, with sessions highlighting projects like INNO-TISS and Maison Panafricaine. These initiatives showed how the industry can create jobs and improve manufacturing without damaging the environment. By focusing on sustainable value chains, the event made it clear that “made in Africa” is becoming synonymous with high standards and responsible production.
Three days of industry insight
Day One: Investment and Regional Growth
The first day opened with a look at the big picture. Experts discussed how to make West Africa a stronger player in global trade, focusing on the finance needed to upgrade factories. The conversation shifted between the potential of cotton sourcing in Burkina Faso and the leather expertise found in Ethiopia and Kenya, showing how different regions can support each other.
Day Two: Manufacturing and Empowerment
The second day got into the details of the factory floor. International speakers shared ideas on how to improve manufacturing efficiency and logistics. A big part of the day was dedicated to empowerment—specifically how training and new technology can help local workers take on more complex roles in the garment and leather sectors.
Day Three: Innovation and Future Deals
The final day focused on the “room where it happens.” It was about the deals that drive growth. Discussions covered how digital tools are changing the way goods are moved across borders and how to prepare for the 2027 season. The energy on the final day proved that the industry is no longer just observing from the sidelines; it is actively shaping its own future.
The launch of ASFW in Dakar has been a resounding success, creating a much-needed meeting point for creators, investors, and policymakers. By bringing together a diverse group of people from places as far-flung as Pakistan, the USA, and Madagascar, the event has established Senegal as a key hub for the textile and leather trade. As the industry looks toward next year, the message is simple: if you want to be part of the future of fashion and sourcing, you need to be in this room.
The journey continues almost immediately on the other side of the continent. From 30 April to 2 May 2026, the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi will become the epicentre of this transformation. This upcoming 5th edition of ASFW Nairobi stands as Africa’s premier sourcing expo and is the next essential stop for anyone in the trade.
Event Summary
Exhibitors: 75 brands from 17 countries (including Senegal, India, Türkiye, and Germany)
Visitors: 1,245 professionals from 40 countries (including UK, France, South Africa, and China)
Location: Centre des Expositions de Diamniadio, Dakar, Senegal
