One week to go until Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2024: Designers, Exhibitors, and Speakers

The countdown has begun for Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2024 (ASFW2024), marking its milestone 10th anniversary as the continent's premier platform uniting the textile, fashion, and leather value chains. With over 200 exhibitors from 30+ countries and an anticipated 7,000 trade visitors, this year's event promises an unprecedented celebration of African fashion and sustainable innovation.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Two groundbreaking panel discussions will highlight the event's focus on environmental responsibility. The first session, "Linking Threads: Collaborating for a Clean Global Fashion Value Chain Free of Harmful Substances," scheduled for November 10 at 11 AM, brings together distinguished industry leaders:

Ms. Ozunimi I., Industrial Development Officer and Green Industrial Policy Lead at UNIDO, Mr. Sintayehu Teshome Bayu, Country Manager at Hohenstein Institute, Mr. Theodros Zekarias Selassie, External Consultant at BluWin, Ms. Aselefech Getachew, Environmental Expert for Textile Value Chains at GIZ Ethiopia and Djibouti, Mr. Gebrehiwot Hailemichael, Co-owner and Manager at GAHT Trading PLC

The second panel, "Designing for a Greener Future: Fashion Designers' Role in Mitigating Environmental Impacts of Chemicals," features experts including:

Mr. Firew Konjo, Owner and General Manager of Jano Handicraft, Dr. Tamrat Tesfaye, Scientific Director at Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Ms. Melat Terefe, Founder & Creative Director of DolMel™ Manufacturing PLC, Ms. Elke Wiedemann, Advisor for Sustainable Industrial Park Management at GIZ,  Mr. Muktar Lamido Dodo, Africa Representative at Global Organic Textile Standard

Both sessions will be moderated by Ms. Mariella Noto, Academy Director at ZDHC Academy.

Spotlight on Innovation and Sustainability

Leading the charge in sustainable innovation, Livinguard Technologies AG will showcase their groundbreaking Livinguard +DYE solution, which promises to revolutionize cotton dyeing by reducing water consumption by 30% and energy usage by 70%, while improving productivity by 35%.

The event will also feature prominent sustainable material providers, including the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI).

Featured Designers and Exhibitors

This year's ASFW brings together an impressive roster of designers and brands:

BethAle London: Renowned for blending luxury with sustainability, offering high-quality, ethically-produced fashion pieces

The collection made by the BethAle London[Photo Credit: BethAle] 

Dokmai Rwanda:  Showcasing handcrafted premium products while championing women's empowerment and fair trade

The bags made by Dokmai Rwanda [Photo Credit: DR]

Swahili Knits Limited:  A Tanzanian company specializing in high-quality apparel and community empowerment

Shin Textile Solutions Co. Ltd:  Returning with their sustainable garment production expertise

E.Miroglio:  Italian high-end fabric manufacturer known for cutting-edge, eco-friendly textiles

Tekstina: Slovenian textile company with 190 years of heritage in premium fabric production

Akila Gym Apparel: Nairobi-based brand offering versatile athletic and casual wear

Tukatech, Inc. EcoShot software, in combination with TUKA3D, is revolutionizing digital fashion imaging.

Pink Mango and Asantii: Contemporary womenswear celebrating African heritage

The collection made by Asantii [Photo Credit:  Asantii]

According to the ASFW2024, "special recognition goes to Asantii's Founder & CEO, Maryse Mbonyumutwa, recently named to The Business of Fashion's BoF 500 Class of 2024—marking Rwanda's first representation in this prestigious index of global fashion industry leaders"

A Milestone Celebration

As ASFW2024 prepares to launch its biggest edition yet, the event stands as a testament to a decade of fostering connections, driving innovation, and creating opportunities across Africa's textile, fashion, and leather industries. With 14 talented designers set to showcase exceptional leather designs in a dedicated fashion show, this anniversary edition promises to be an unprecedented celebration of African creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

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