What to Expect at the Swahili Fashion Week 2024, 17th Edition: Looking for Volunteers

The fashion industry in East Africa continues to grow, with entrepreneurs increasingly investing in this vibrant sector. In Tanzania, the Swahili Fashion Week (SFW) has been a significant platform for promoting fashion entrepreneurs. As the event approaches its 17th edition, set to take place in November 2024, there's a mix of excitement and scrutiny surrounding its development and organization.

Recently, the SFW organizers announced they are seeking volunteers to help make their 17th edition "successful and unforgettable." This call for support has sparked discussions about the event's evolution and sustainability.

"Join our Team at the 17th Swahili Fashion Week & Awards. Passionate about fashion, PR, media, project or event management? We're looking for dedicated volunteers to help make this year's edition unforgettable," reads the SFW's announcement on Instagram.

Founded in 2008 by celebrated Pan-African couturier Mustafa Hassanali, the SFW has been a cornerstone event bringing together fashion designers, event organizers, makeup artists, musicians, decorators, photographers, and models from across the region. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in showcasing East African talent and promoting the "Made in Africa" concept.

The event's impact on the regional fashion scene is undeniable. It has provided a platform for designers to showcase their creations, helped models gain exposure, and facilitated networking opportunities within the industry. However, as the SFW enters its 17th year, some industry insiders are questioning its trajectory and organizational approach.

Mr. Bosco, a fashion event organizer, shared his perspective with RCFS's MEDIA: "Many fashion shows or fashion weeks in East African countries are not as big as they used to be. This shows how investors and business partners still don't put much into this sector." He expressed surprise at the organizers' call for volunteers, suggesting it might indicate budget constraints or a lack of established infrastructure after 17 years of operation.

"The SFW used to be a big fashion week, but nowadays, it's not what it once was," Bosco continued. "When an event organizer is looking for volunteers to help organize their event, it may suggest they don't have the budget to put things in place properly."

[PHOTO: Swahili Fashion Week and Awards 2023}

Another fashion organizer based in Kenya speculated that the SFW might be facing challenges in securing sponsors, leading to the reliance on volunteers. "Look at what's been happening here in Kenya with the Nairobi Fashion Week and other fashion shows. They used to organize their events without calling for volunteers," he noted. "I remember their recent editions, even though some were a long time ago before COVID-19, but they were full of volunteers who used their own money every day to come and help. People who work for them but don't get paid, only receive a certificate at the end of the event."

The timing of the call for volunteers, approximately two months before the event, has also raised eyebrows. Bosco questioned the approach: "Can you imagine looking for volunteers to help on the 17th Edition at this time? Their event is in November 2024, but they're looking for volunteers now. This shows how they might not be sure about getting sponsors, or they just want to use young entrepreneurs in their success expectations."

[PHOTO: Swahili Fashion Week and Awards 2023}

He added, "Don't tell me you need a young fashion entrepreneur to volunteer in PR. Where is your team from the past 17 years? Maybe announce that you want to provide training related to event production, but don't call for volunteers, especially for a big event like the SFW."

Despite these concerns, the SFW continues to hold significance for many in the industry. A model based in Rwanda highlighted the event's role in connecting regional models to international opportunities: "I don't know much about how volunteering works at the SFW, but what I can assure you is that many East African models want to be part of this event because they know it will connect them with international model scouts."

As the fashion landscape evolves, the SFW faces the challenge of maintaining its relevance and impact. The call for volunteers could be seen as an opportunity for aspiring fashion professionals to gain hands-on experience in event management, public relations, and other aspects of the industry. However, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the event's organizational model.

[PHOTO: Swahili Fashion Week and Awards 2023}

Looking ahead to the 17th edition, attendees can expect a showcase of diverse talent from Swahili-speaking countries and beyond. The event will likely feature runway shows, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Despite the controversies, the SFW remains a significant platform for promoting East African fashion and fostering connections within the industry.

For those interested in volunteering, the experience could provide valuable insights into the workings of a major fashion event. However, potential volunteers should carefully consider the terms of their involvement and the benefits they hope to gain from the experience.

As the fashion industry in East Africa continues to evolve, events like the Swahili Fashion Week play a crucial role in shaping its future. The success of the 17th edition will depend not only on the talent showcased but also on the event's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and meet the expectations of both participants and attendees.

While the organizers of SFW have yet to respond to requests for comment on these developments, the fashion community eagerly awaits further details about the upcoming event. As November 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on the Swahili Fashion Week to see how it navigates these challenges and continues to promote the vibrant fashion scene of East Africa.

THE RCSF'S MEDIA