Africa’s textile industry is a vibrant tapestry woven with tradition, innovation, and a burgeoning global presence. As the continent’s fabric makers and fashion designers stitch their way into international markets, a series of upcoming textile events promises to showcase the very best of Africa’s sartorial splendor.

Here’s a glimpse into the most anticipated Upcoming textile events in Africa, including venue details and more.

1. Runway Kenya 2024 – Couture Africa

Introduction:

Runway Kenya 2024 – Couture Africa is an illustrious event that marks a significant highlight within the East Africa Textile and Leather Week (EATLW). It serves as a grand stage for African and international designers to exhibit their creativity and engage in dialogue about the future of textile and leather fashion made in Africa.

Event Details:

• Dates: May 23-25, 2024
• Location: Sarit Centre Expo Hall, Kenya
• Participation: Designers are invited to showcase their collections at the Couture Africa Pavilion and on the Runway Kenya catwalk.

Highlights:

• A catwalk show that is part of the EATLW, offering a platform for apparel and accessory designers to present the best of African fashion.
• A three-day exhibition and runway shows that are open to the public, providing designers with extensive exposure.

Benefits:

• An opportunity for designers to connect with wholesalers, retailers, chains, manufacturers, and dealers from East and Central Africa.
• A marketing platform for brands to reach a wider audience through local and international media coverage.

Ideal for Exhibitors:

• Apparel and accessory designers looking to gain visibility and expand their market reach.
• Brands seeking to showcase their collections to a diverse audience and establish business connections.

More Information:

• Designers can opt for exhibition only, runway only, or both, based on their business goals.
• The event is a key place for making exclusive business deals at a professional level.

Runway Kenya 2024 – Couture Africa is set to be a vibrant celebration of African fashion, offering designers a unique opportunity to showcase their work and forge new business paths in the global fashion landscape.

2. Morocco Textile Expo

Introduction:

The Morocco Textile Expo stands as a pivotal event in the international textile and fashion industry, serving as a gateway to the African and Mediterranean markets. This exhibition is a showcase of Morocco’s rich textile heritage and its burgeoning role as a global textile hub.

Event Details:

• Dates: April 23-25, 2024
• Location: OFEC (Office des Foires et Expositions de Casablanca), Casablanca, Morocco
• Visiting Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Organizers: Pyramids Group, Atelier Vita

Highlights:

• The expo will host over 440 exhibitors and expects to welcome around 20,000 textile specialists.
• Attendees can participate in trend seminars, workshops, and explore industry highlights, including the latest in textile technology and design.

Benefits:

• Exhibitors can expand their textile network and increase trade volume within Morocco and across African countries.
• The event provides access to a diverse range of products and the opportunity to meet top buyers from the MENA region and beyond.

Ideal for Exhibitors:

• Textile manufacturers, designers, wholesalers, department stores, boutique owners, and purchasing agents of chain stores.
• Sectoral publications, associations, and institutions interested in market trends and cultural design shifts.

More Information:

• The expo is a key hub for the textile industry, offering a platform for professionals to meet, network, and develop business relationships.
• It focuses on fabrics, fibers, yarns, raw materials, and textile machinery, making it an essential event for those in the textile sector.

3. Township Economies Conference & Expo

Introduction:

The Township Economies Conference & Expo is a pivotal event focused on enhancing the economic landscape of South Africa’s townships. It aims to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and opportunities to grow their businesses and tap into new markets.

Event Details:

• Dates: July 30-31, 2024
• Location: Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa
• Theme: “Unlocking Township Economic Growth: Accessing New Markets”

Highlights:

• The conference will feature insightful keynotes, practical workshops, and sessions dedicated to business growth, technology, and innovation within township economies.
• An expo where entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services, gaining visibility and connecting with potential partners and investors.

Benefits:

• Networking opportunities with a wide array of service providers, financial institutions, and technology experts.
• Access to resources and knowledge on how to scale businesses and enter new markets effectively.

Ideal for Exhibitors:

• Township entrepreneurs seeking to expand their reach and enhance their business acumen.
• Service providers, financial institutions, and tech companies interested in supporting and engaging with township economies.

More Information:

• The event will delve into the challenges faced by township entrepreneurs and offer solutions through support services, skills development, and technology integration.
• Attendees are encouraged to participate in the conference to gain insights, network, and explore collaborative opportunities.

4. ITME Africa & Middle East (ME) 2023

Introduction:

ITME Africa & Middle East (ME) 2023 is a landmark event in the textile industry, fostering innovation, technology, and business opportunities across Africa and the Middle East. Organized by the India ITME Society, it serves as a significant platform for industry professionals to connect and explore the future of textile technology.

Event Details:

• Dates: November 30 to December 2, 2023
• Location: Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
• Organizers: India ITME Society in collaboration with the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations.

Highlights:

• The event will showcase the latest advancements in textile technology and engineering.
• It will focus on education, skill development, investment, joint ventures, and sourcing opportunities.

Benefits:

• Provides a networking platform for businesses to explore new markets and create joint ventures.
• Offers access to competitive pricing and end-to-end solutions for textiles, technology, and engineering.

Ideal for Exhibitors:

• Companies specializing in textile technology and engineering looking to expand into the African and Middle Eastern markets.
• Businesses seeking international cooperation, investment opportunities, and a gateway to a wide range of textile-related products and services.

More Information:

• The event will serve as a one-stop solution for the textile industry, covering sectors from raw materials to finished products.
• Participants can engage with industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of textile technology and engineering.

5. Intertex Tunisia: Event

Introduction:

Intertex Tunisia is the leading international exhibition of the textile industry in North Africa. This event brings together key figures from the dynamic field of textiles, offering unique export opportunities and a platform for brand new network possibilities.

Event Details:

• Dates: October 17-19, 2024
• Location: Foire Internationale de Sousse, Tunisia
• Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Highlights:

• The exhibition will feature over 234 exhibitors from more than 17 countries and is expected to attract over 8,000 professional visitors.
• It covers the entire textile value chain, showcasing the latest trends and technologies while offering unique export opportunities.

Benefits:

• Intertex Tunisia serves as a hub for sector professionals to find sustainability, products, and services adapted to their needs, inspiring trends, and innovations.
• The event includes a Buyer Delegation Program, which is an efficient way to search for and increase your reliable and high-level international suppliers’ network.

Ideal for Exhibitors:

• Textile industry leaders looking to mark their success in the international arena.
• Professionals seeking to reunite with sector representatives and explore new business collaborations.

More Information:

• Intertex Tunisia is undisputedly the number one exhibition of the textile industry in North Africa, bringing thousands of sector professionals together.
• The event is a unique fair that should not be missed by anyone involved in the textile products and services industry

6. Kenya Furniture, Home Textile and Bedding Fair

Introduction:

The Kenya Furniture, Home Textile and Bedding Fair is a premier exhibition that showcases the latest trends and innovations in the furniture, home textile, and bedding sectors. This event is a significant platform for industry professionals to network, exchange ideas, and explore business opportunities.

Event Details:

• Dates: November 27-29, 2024
• Location: Sarit Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
• Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Highlights:

• The fair will host a diverse range of exhibitors from over 17 countries, with an expected attendance of more than 8,000 visitors.
• It will cover the entire value chain of the home furnishing industry, from raw materials to finished products, and will feature the latest trends and technologies.

Benefits:

• An ideal platform for exhibitors to reach the African market and present new concepts and trends.
• The fair provides an environment conducive to forming new collaborations and long-term commercial agreements.

Ideal for Exhibitors:

• Manufacturers and brands of furniture, home textiles, and bedding looking to expand their market reach.
• Buyers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, and retail chains seeking innovative products and services.

More Information:

• The fair is set to add great value to the industry and participants by facilitating access to target markets in Africa and enabling communication with professional buyers

7. EATLW – East Africa Textile and Leather Week

Introduction:

EATLW – East Africa Textile and Leather Week is the most exclusive meeting platform for the home textile, leather, accessories, and footwear industry in the East African region. This event is set to showcase regional innovation and trade, bringing together top brands and industry professionals.

Event Details:

• Dates: May 23-25, 2024
• Location: Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi, Kenya
• Visiting Hours: 10 am – 6 pm.

Highlights:

• Over 150 brands exhibiting their latest innovations.
• Insightful conference sessions, an exclusive government tour, and captivating presentations.
• A mega fashion show showcasing the incredible talent of designers from across East Africa.

Benefits:

• A premier networking and meeting opportunity for professionals in the textile and leather industries.
• Access to new markets and business opportunities, including joint ventures and investments.

Ideal for Exhibitors:

• Manufacturers, designers, and brands in the home textile, leather, accessories, and footwear sectors looking to expand their reach in the East African market.
• Industry professionals seeking to reunite with sector representatives and explore new business collaborations.

More Information:

• The event promises to be an unrivaled platform for trade and innovation, with more than 3,000 traders from 30 countries expected to attend

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog post or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the post. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this blog post.

Through this blog post, you are able to link to other websites which are not under our control. We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Every effort is made to keep the blog post up and running smoothly. However, we take no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the blog post being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.