The fashion and textile industry is the second-largest sector after agriculture in Africa, with an estimated market value of $31 billion in 2020. Growing every year, it has the potential of creating jobs for millions across the continent, especially for women and youth. The highly anticipated EAST AFRICA TEXTILE AND LEATHER WEEK [EATLW] 2023 edition is the most exclusive meeting platform for the home textile, leather accessories and footwear industries and is poised to be a game changer in the East African textile landscape.
This June, top African and International decision makers across the fashion value chain will meet to evaluate future trends and prices. EATLW brings together key industry stakeholders and thought leaders from around the globe to engage in meaningful discussions, explore business opportunities, and witness the incredible potential of East Africa’s garment manufacturing sector with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship. The event will feature 150 exhibitors from East Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as 3,500 wholesalers, retailers, chains, manufacturers and dealers from East and Central Africa.
Some key exhibitors include Carvico Ethiopia plc, Leather Masters Kenya, Starsewing Dubai, Desta Plc and Josef Seibel. Couture Africa Magazine in Partnership with Ajuma Limited shall host Apparel and Accessory designers from across East Africa and execute ready-to-wear fashion show every afternoon across the three days dubbed RUNWAY KENYA. Other Key partners include The Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry, EPZA, The Leather Apex Society of Kenya, Ubunifu Association, Women in Business and Fashion Agenda Africa.
“We are thrilled to present East Africa Textile and Leather Week, a platform that celebrates the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and immense potential of the East African textile and leather industry,” said Mr. Skander Negasi, CEO of Trade & Fairs Consulting GmbH. “EATLW is not just an event; it is a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and positive change in the industry. We invite all stakeholders, global investors, and fashion enthusiasts to join us in this extraordinary journey.”
The East Africa Textile and Leather Week comes hot on the heels of President Ruto’s declaration on Friday 2nd June saying, “we see leather, pyrethrum, cotton, textiles and apparel, pharmaceutical, edible oils as value chains whose industrialisation will hasten the attainment of our vision for national economic growth and transformation.” He added, “we import shoes worth nine billion every year. Our leather industry has the capacity to deliver 80,000 jobs and 100 billion dollars. This is a gap we must close.”