Messe Frankfurt Brings Texworld And Texprocess To Kenya From 2027
As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened in Nairobi, Messe Frankfurt announced that its leading textile trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess will be held in Kenya for the first time from 2027 as part of ASFW Nairobi.
The move marks a significant expansion of Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network in East Africa and underlines the growing importance of Kenya as a sourcing and manufacturing hub for the global textile and apparel industry.
Kenya is increasingly attracting international textile companies due to factors such as political support, sustainable energy availability, innovative design capabilities and comparatively shorter transport distances.
ASFW has emerged as a major platform for international sourcing, industry networking and investment in Africa’s textile sector. With the integration of Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess, the event is expected to gain stronger international visibility while representing the complete textile value chain.
Around 150 exhibitors and over 5,000 trade visitors from more than 50 countries are expected to participate in ASFW Nairobi 2026, positioning it as one of the region’s largest textile industry gatherings.
Detlef Braun said, “Africa is becoming one of the major strategic growth markets for the global textile industry. Including Nairobi in our Texpertise Network continues our strategy of expanding international connections and granting customers access to key growth markets. We aim to create long-term, sustainable business relationships that strengthen both local producers and their international partners.”
Olaf Schmidt added, “By applying our successful Addis Ababa concept to one of East Africa’s most dynamic markets, we are actively driving forward global networking. This initiative connects international demand with regional offerings and contributes to the sustainable development of the market.”
According to Skander Negasi, Kenya’s textile and clothing sector is emerging as a strategic hub for textile and leather production, exporting apparel products worth around US$ 500 million annually.
