Messe Frankfurt steps up its commitment in East Africa

Messe Frankfurt is turning its attention more firmly towards the African continent through its Texpertise Network: from 2027, the trade fair organiser will be licensing its Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess brands for the first time in Nairobi, Kenya. In future, these events will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) in Nairobi.

The trade fair organisers are convinced that East Africa – and Kenya in particular – has developed into an emerging, rapidly growing region for the textile industry. Political support, a sustainable energy supply, innovative design expertise and comparatively short transport routes have made the location increasingly attractive to international textile companies. "Kenya’s textile and clothing sector is developing into a strategic hub for textile and leather production, exporting apparel products worth USD 500 mio annually," says Skander Negasi, CEO of the Trade and Fairs Group.

The ASFW is a platform for international sourcing, industry networking and investment in the African textile sector. It covers the entire textile value chain, the organisers add – by integrating the three brands, the aim is to bundle this offering more effectively on an international level and make it more visible. Around 150 exhibiting companies and more than 5,000 trade visitors from over 50 countries are expected at ASFW Nairobi 2026.