The global spotlight is about to swing onto the rich textures and untapped potential of African design, as the 11th Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW 2025)prepares to open its doors in Addis Ababa. From Thursday, October 30th, to Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, the Addis International Convention Center (AICC) will transform into the continent's largest trade platform for the textile, apparel, leather, and fashion industries. This year’s event arrives at a critical juncture, positioning Ethiopia not just as a manufacturing base, but as the dynamic epicenter where ethical sourcing, cutting-edge machinery, and pan-African design talent converge.

​The ASFW is co-organized with world-leading trade show families like Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, underscoring its pivotal role in international trade. The event is expected to host over 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and draw over 7,000 trade buyers from 60 countries, making it an essential barometer for the continent’s manufacturing and design mood.

The core focus of ASFW 2025 is expected to be on building integrated, sustainable value chains. Ethiopia, with its commitment to developing industrial parks and its advantageous position under trade agreements like AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), provides a compelling case for investment.

​Highlights of the four-day event will include:

• ​International Exhibition Floor: Showcasing the full spectrum of the value chain—from cotton and raw materials to garment accessories, machinery (Texprocess), finished apparel, leather goods, and home décor.

• ​High-Level Conference: Known as Africa’s biggest textile and garment discussion platform, the conference will feature international experts debating crucial topics like sustainable manufacturing, ethical finance, logistics, and investment opportunities across the continent.

• ​B2B and Networking: The event will prioritize connecting African manufacturers and designers directly with global buyers and investors, fostering new partnerships that leverage local resources and talent.

The Ethiopian government has made a clear commitment to making the country a regional manufacturing hub, with textile and apparel being a high-priority sector. Events like ASFW are crucial to this vision, helping the nation meet ambitious growth targets by attracting foreign direct investment, improving manufacturing quality, and integrating local producers into the global supply chain.

​As the continent’s textile and apparel sectors continue their rapid ascent, the 11th Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week promises to be more than just an exhibition—it is a clear statement that Africa is ready to take its place as a powerhouse of global fashion and sustainable sourcing.