ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- The 11th edition of Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW), a renowned annual garment, apparel and textile fashion show, kicked off on Thursday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Running from Thursday to Sunday, the event, the largest of its kind in Africa, showcases the capacity of Africa in the industry, highlighting its role as a hub for creativity, design and global sourcing options. It brought together 210 exhibitors from Africa and different parts of the world.
Speaking at the event, Skander Negasi, founder of the ASFW, said the exhibition not only displays fabrics, boots, handbags and dresses, but serves as a platform to show how Africa's textile, leather and fashion industry could be an engine of sustainable growth and employment opportunities.
"Today, the textile and leather industry in Africa is entering a new era, one defined by modernization, sustainability and global competitiveness," said Negasi, noting that textiles are not only clothes of African people, but also tell their histories, identities and cultures.
Kebour Ghenna, executive director of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said a major African textile revolution is still to come, considering the continent's 1.4 billion population, rising middle class, urbanization and growing youthful population.
"Africa has a population of 1.4 billion people, and over 60 percent are under the age of 25. This is not just a market; it is the world's next great consumer base and most dynamic workforce," Ghenna said.
The ASFW is a testament to the dynamism and resilience of Ethiopia's textile and garment sector and the growing importance of Africa as a sourcing destination for the global fashion industry, according to Nicholas Mudungwe, executive director at Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute.
"African countries are taking bold steps to improve the garment and textile business environment through cutting red tape, streamlining logistics and supporting better working conditions in factories to increase exports and create more jobs," Mudungwe said.
According to the ASFW, Africa's textile and apparel market is growing at five percent annually, contributing around 1.2 percent to the continent's gross domestic product.
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