The Business of Fashion – Trading in Africa & Beyond 2025: Discussions to Take Place in Ethiopia

The Core Fashion from Kenya is set to host a groundbreaking fashion industry dialogue in partnership with The Hub of Africa Fashion Week 2025. This exclusive Addis Ababa Edition will take place on Thursday, January 23rd, at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa from 10 AM to 12 PM, focusing on "The Business of Fashion – Trading in Africa & Beyond."

The event promises to be a pivotal gathering for fashion industry stakeholders, bringing together leading designers, textile manufacturers, investors, and industry experts from across the continent. Powered by strategic partners DHL and New Faces New Voices, the discussions aim to address critical challenges and opportunities within Africa's rapidly evolving fashion landscape.

Industry analysts predict that Africa's fashion industry could be worth over $15 billion by 2025, making these discussions particularly timely. The symposium will explore various crucial aspects of the fashion business ecosystem, from production and distribution to market access and consumer behavior.

According to the current challenges facing the fashion industry in Africa, key topics for discussion may include the current state of Africa's fashion business environment, examining both challenges and opportunities. Panelists will address significant barriers such as cross-border trade restrictions, cultural differences, and complex governmental policies affecting the industry. Special attention will be given to immigration regulations and tax frameworks that impact fashion businesses operating across African markets.

Discussions during  the Hub of Africa Fashion Week 2024 [Photo Credit: HAFW]

The roundtable will also tackle the critical question of market preference, exploring why many African consumers still gravitate toward international fashion brands over local designers. This discussion will examine strategies for building strong African fashion brands that can effectively compete with imported products, particularly those from China's manufacturing sector.

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A significant portion of the dialogue will focus on fostering collaboration among African fashion designers and manufacturers. Participants will discuss strategies for combating counterfeit products and establishing robust intellectual property protection mechanisms across the continent. The session will also explore ways to strengthen intra-African trade in the fashion sector, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

Discussions during  the Hub of Africa Fashion Week 2024 [Photo Credit: HAFW]

Leading industry experts will share insights on:

- Building sustainable fashion businesses in Africa

- Developing efficient supply chains and distribution networks

- Leveraging technology for market expansion

- Creating effective brand strategies for local and international markets

- Establishing quality standards and certification processes

This event represents a crucial step toward strengthening Africa's position in the global fashion industry. Participants will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, explore potential partnerships, and contribute to shaping the future of African fashion.

Registration for this exclusive event is limited, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their spots early. For more information about registration and participation, industry professionals can contact The Hub of Africa Fashion Week 2025 

In the picture, the first from the right is Ms Linda Murithi from the Core Round Table Talks- Kenya who will be engaging in a roundtable on The Business of Fashion – Trading in Africa & Beyond [Photo Credit: LM]

The discussions are expected to yield actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors interested in Africa's fashion sector. The outcomes will be documented and shared with relevant stakeholders to guide future industry development initiatives. This landmark event underscores the growing importance of Africa's fashion industry and its potential to contribute significantly to the continent's economic growth and cultural expression on the global stage.

Participants taking a picture after the conference organized by the Hub of Africa Fashion Week in 2024

Fashion Trends Afric by RCFS