With 2025 promising an even richer display of craftsmanship in the fashion industry, we spotlight 10 African fashion events to watch out for.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Fashion, in all its bold expression, has long been a mirror reflecting the heartbeat of culture. And if there’s one continent where that essence pulses with undeniable vibrancy, it is Africa. Today, African fashion is experiencing an exciting resurgence, with African designers and models making waves in global fashion spaces—both offline and online—and capturing international attention.
And the numbers back it up. According to Statista, revenue in Africa’s fashion market is projected to hit US$6.53 billion in 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of 7.93%, pushing the market volume to US$8.86 billion by 2029. This upward trajectory reveals the immense potential of the industry and the increasingly vital role fashion plays in Africa’s economic landscape.
At the centre of this growth are the fashion events—the showcases, the runways, the exhibitions—that serve as stages for showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of African designers.
With 2025 promising an even richer display of craftsmanship in the fashion industry, we spotlight 10 African fashion events to watch out for.
Nairobi Fashion Week (Kenya)
If you want to talk about a fashion event that’s been changing the game in East Africa, Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) is where the conversation begins. What started in 2013 as an ambitious showcase at The Hilton Hotel has now morphed into the largest fashion week in Kenya, which has now established itself as a cornerstone of the country’s fashion landscape.
The event spans three electrifying days, each packed with a curated blend of local, national, and international talent, offering a progressive environment where creativity flows freely. If you’re looking for a fashion event that’s as much about building connections as it is about showcasing artistry, Nairobi Fashion Week is where you need to be.
Lagos Fashion Week (Nigeria)
Few events capture the energy, ambition, and creative ingenuity of African fashion quite like Lagos Fashion Week. Since its inception in 2011, Omoyemi Akerele’s brainchild has evolved into a cultural institution, providing a launchpad for designers to take their visions from sketchbooks to global conversations.
Each season, the event brings together over 60 designers and a crowd of more than 12,000 attendees—industry insiders, fashion enthusiasts, and the kind of tastemakers who dictate what’s next. It’s where bold expressions of identity meet commercial viability, from the intricate detailing of emerging brands to the runway moments that go viral—like Davido stepping out in a regal Ugo Monye ensemble last year.
But beyond the glamour, Lagos Fashion Week is a movement that champions African fashion’s place in the global market. For anyone invested in the future of the industry and looking for a fashion event to attend in 2025, this is the place to be.
The Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (Uganda)
The Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFAs) stand as a celebration of the richness and innovation of African fashion. Since their inception in 2013, under the visionary leadership of Brian Ahumuza, these awards have grown into a defining platform that brings together designers, models, stylists, and influencers from across the continent.
The ASFAs have consistently set a benchmark for the African fashion industry, honouring outstanding achievements and inspiring trends that resonate globally. As the countdown to December 12, 2025—when the event will take place—begins, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of glitz, glamour, and groundbreaking fashion.
Wear Africa Expo & Exhibition (London)
The Wear Africa Expo & Exhibition is a premier international event that celebrates the richness of African fashion and lifestyle. Scheduled to take place from January 12 to 16, 2025, at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, this event offers a unique platform for African artisans and brands to showcase their creations to a global audience.
For those passionate about African culture and fashion, the Wear Africa Expo & Exhibition in London is an event not to be missed in 2025.
Dakar Fashion Week (Senegal)
Dakar Fashion Week, established by Adama Ndiaye in 2002, is a celebration of African creativity, blending fashion, culture, and music in Senegal’s vibrant capital. This annual event provides designers with a platform to showcase their innovative creations to a global audience.
Attending Dakar Fashion Week offers the chance to witness firsthand the fusion of traditional aesthetics with contemporary design, all set against the rich backdrop of Senegalese culture. For anyone with a passion for fashion and cultural exploration, this event is an essential experience this year.
Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (Ethiopia)
Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) stands as a beacon in the continent’s textile and apparel industry. Scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 2, 2025, at the Congress Center, Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this event has cemented its reputation as Africa’s premier trade fair for textiles, apparel, and fashion accessories.
The event serves as a pivotal platform for fashion industry stakeholders, including designers, manufacturers, and retailers, to converge, showcase innovations, and forge meaningful connections. For fashion professionals and enthusiasts aiming to stay abreast of industry trends and expand their networks, ASFW 2025 is a must-attend event.
The African Fashion Forum (South Africa)
The African Fashion Forum (AFF) is a premier event that celebrates the diverse African fashion industry, connecting it with film, TV, and music.
The forum brings together prominent figures from the fashion industry, emerging talent, and thought leaders to explore the intersection of fashion and entertainment. Scheduled to take place from September 1 to 3, 2025, at CTICC 2 in Cape Town, South Africa, the AFF is a must-attend for anyone passionate about fashion’s cultural impact across other creative industries.
Swahili Fashion Week (Tanzania)
Swahili Fashion Week (SFW) stands as East Africa’s premier fashion event, dedicated to promoting designers from Swahili-speaking nations. Symbolised by a butterfly in its logo, SFW embodies transformation and growth in the regional fashion scene. Held annually in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the 18th edition is scheduled to take place from December 5 to 7, 2025.
This platform not only showcases the creations of designers but also offers workshops aimed at uplifting East African fashion practices. For those keen on experiencing the fusion of traditional and contemporary East African styles, SFW 2025 is an event to watch out for.
Congo Fashion Week (Congo)
Congo Fashion Week (CFW) stands as a pivotal event in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), celebrating the nation’s rich cultural heritage through fashion. This annual gathering in Kinshasa/Brazzaville serves as a prominent platform for both emerging and established Congolese designers.
CFW is renowned for its captivating displays, often featuring traditional fabrics, bold colours, and designs that reflect the region’s diverse influences. For fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals keen on exploring the fusion of traditional and contemporary African styles, Congo Fashion Week 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
GTCO Fashion Weekend (Nigeria)
GTCO Fashion Weekend, organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), is a premier event dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship within the African fashion industry. This annual gathering serves as a platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their creations.
The event features a series of masterclasses led by industry experts, alongside captivating runway shows. Typically held in November, GTCO Fashion Weekend attracts fashion enthusiasts, designers, and industry professionals from across Africa and beyond.
For those interested in experiencing the diverse African fashion scene, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the continent’s vibrant creative community.
Abioye Damilare is a music journalist and culture writer focused on the African entertainment Industry. Reading new publications and listening to music are two of his favourite pastimes when he is not writing. Connect with him on Twitter and IG: @Dreyschronicle