Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week Nairobi opened in Nairobi with strong signals that Africa’s textile and apparel sector is entering a new phase of global relevance, as Kenya positions itself at the centre of emerging supply chain shifts.
The three-day event, running from April 30 to May 2, has drawn more than 150 manufacturers and designers from over 20 countries, reflecting growing international interest in Africa as a sourcing destination.
Hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the forum is bringing together policymakers, investors and industry players to explore opportunities across textiles, leather, fashion and home décor.
Stakeholders at the conference pointed to a clear trend: global brands are increasingly diversifying production away from traditional markets, creating space for African economies to capture a larger share of manufacturing value chains. Kenya, with its established export base and strategic trade linkages, is emerging as a key beneficiary of this transition.
Participants include delegations from the European Union, regional policymakers and representatives of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, underscoring the event’s continental and international significance.
A standout feature is the “Walk for Business” platform, designed to link over 30 African designers with global buyers and fashion houses.
Kenya’s textile and apparel industry continues to attract attention due to its preferential market access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and a policy environment geared towards industrial growth. The country has maintained its position among Africa’s leading apparel exporters, supplying major international brands.
Even so, the sector faces structural challenges. Kenya currently imports textiles worth an estimated KES129 billion annually, pointing to a significant gap in local production capacity. Government projections indicate that investments ranging from KES58 billion to KES97 billion will be needed by 2030 to develop domestic textile mills and support the expanding apparel segment.
At the same time, demand indicators remain strong. Apparel exports are projected to reach between KES58 billion and KES75 billion in the near term, while the domestic market is expected to grow to KES32 billion, driven by urbanisation, rising consumer spending and increased preference for locally made products.
Long-term projections paint an even more ambitious picture. Kenya’s textile and apparel exports could rise to KES258 billion by 2035, supported by new industrial parks, expanded Export Processing Zones and sustained investment in modern manufacturing technologies.
Elsama Ndegwa, Administration Secretary at the State Department for Investment Promotion, emphasized the sector’s strategic role in Kenya’s economic transformation.
“Kenya is entering a new phase of industrial growth where textile and apparel manufacturing can become a major pillar of exports, jobs and value addition. The opportunity now is to scale local textile production and capture a larger share of global sourcing demand,” she said.
Skander Negasi, CEO of Trade and Fairs Consulting GmbH, added that Africa is gaining ground as a competitive sourcing destination.
“Global buyers are looking for reliable, diversified and future-ready sourcing destinations. Kenya and Africa more broadly are increasingly part of that conversation because of their competitiveness, workforce potential and long-term growth prospects,” he noted.
Industry analysts say that strengthening backward linkages—particularly local textile production—will be crucial for Kenya to enhance competitiveness and capture higher value, especially as global buyers prioritise speed, sustainability and supply chain resilience.
As global demand continues to rise and investment interest deepens, Kenya is increasingly positioning itself as a leading contender in Africa’s push to become a global textile and apparel powerhouse.
