The 4th edition of Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) which ran through April 24th to 26th 2025, at Arabuko Hall, Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi was concluded to have global business linkages in the Textile and leather sector. This three-day conference and exhibition, brings together key industry stakeholders and thought leaders from around the globe to explore the vast potential of Africa manufacturing sector in general and Leather in particular.
Previously known as the East Africa Textile & Leather Week (EATLW), this event has rebranded and aligned with the prestigious ASFW global brand. Originating from Addis Ababa, ASFW has long been recognized as Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest sourcing event, bringing together thousands of industry professionals each year.
Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) as part of its strategic activities and program area, has supported five export-potential Leather producers from Member state (Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda) to create production, marketing Linkages and knowledge from trade fair platform.
ALLPI also promoted Africa leather designers competition 2025 in this platform and registered a good number of potential Africa designers from the participating country and the visitors.
The grand opening on May 24th, 2025 was led by HE Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry. Dr. Mukhwana highlighted the importance of the event for the African fashion industry, highlighting its role in fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration. He emphasized the event's contribution to sustainable fashion and the development of local talent, as well as its impact on the broader Kenyan and African economy.
During the opening session partners of ASFW lMr. Alexander von Fierley – Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy (Nairobi), Mr. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth – Deputy Secretary General, East African Community (EAC), Mr. Richard Davies – Textiles & Apparel, Deputy Director Gatsby Africa, Ms. Tally Einav – UNIDO, Head of Office and Representative to Kenya, Comoros, Eritrea, Seychelles and South, Sudan and Mr. Nicholas Mudungwe – Executive Director, Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) conducted a key note speech referring the potential of this platform for market connection and networking for Textile and leather value chains.
ALLPI as a support wing and transformative institution for Africa Leather sector development participated in two seminar sessions hosted by International Trade Centre MARKUP on "The Future of East Africa's Regional Leather Industry: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities."
This was a high-impact panel discussion on the growth and transformation of East Africa’s leather industry.
And also ALLPI participated on the panel topic “From Waste to Wonder: The Future of Sustainable Leather Fashion! Which reflects leather, a by-product of the meat industry, can be repurposed into high-value fashion pieces instead of going to waste.
As part of the European Union (EU)-funded EU–East African Community (EAC) MARKUP II programme, the International Trade Centre (ITC) facilitated the participation of a regional delegation of 17 leather businesses specializing in footwear and accessories from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
This year there were important brands and chains such as Sainsbury's, Calvin Klein, and many others present, which makes ASFW Nairobi will continue to grow stronger in the years,
This year’s edition welcomed 3,035 visitors from 55 countries and hosted 155 exhibitors from 22 countries, reflecting the growing global importance of East Africa’s textile, leather, and fashion industries.
