Africa Textile Talks (ATT) 2026 will bring together industry leaders, designers, researchers, policymakers and sustainability experts in Cape Town to explore the future of Africa’s textile and fashion industry under the theme “Post-extraction Regeneration: Creating African Textile Futures.”
Scheduled for 31 July – 1 August 2026 at Workshop17, V&A Watershed, the two-day conference will focus on regenerative textile systems, circular fashion, ethical manufacturing, indigenous knowledge and material innovation as Africa seeks to strengthen its position in the global textile value chain.
Regenerating Africa’s Textile Industry
This year’s programme aims to move beyond discussions of sustainability by exploring how textile production can actively regenerate communities, ecosystems and local economies.
Against the backdrop of climate change, increasing imports of low-cost apparel and challenges facing domestic manufacturing, Africa Textile Talks 2026 will examine strategies for creating resilient textile ecosystems built on environmental responsibility and economic growth.
Participants will include manufacturers, fashion brands, climate specialists, academics, material innovators and cultural practitioners from across Africa and international markets.
Read More:Â Africa Textile Talks Launches Future Fabrics Student Challenge for Emerging Innovators
Day One Focuses on Climate, Manufacturing and Trade
The opening day will begin with a keynote by Thandile Zonke, Presidential Climate Commissioner, addressing the environmental challenges shaping the textile industry.
Sessions will examine the current state of Africa’s textile and clothing sector, climate resilience, ethical manufacturing and regenerative production systems.
Industry experts from leading retailers and organizations will discuss responsible sourcing, sustainable manufacturing and supply chain transparency, while panels will explore the impact of inexpensive imported fashion on African economies and opportunities for strengthening local manufacturing.
The programme also features discussions on livestock sustainability, methane reduction, African fashion development and the relationship between global trade and regional textile production.
Innovation, Indigenous Knowledge and Circular Fashion
The second day shifts attention toward cultural heritage, innovative materials and circular fashion.
Speakers will explore African textiles as living cultural archives, the growing importance of repair and reuse, and the role of indigenous knowledge in future textile innovation.
Material innovators will present alternatives developed from renewable resources, including seaweed-based textiles, while discussions will examine regenerative agriculture, biodiversity and transparent fibre supply chains.
The conference will conclude with the ATT Textile Challenge, where experts representing natural fibres such as wool, hemp, mohair, cotton, linen and silk will present the sustainability benefits of their materials before attendees vote for the most promising solution.
The Future Fabrics Student Challenge winner will also be announced during the closing session.
Building Africa’s Regenerative Textile Future
Organizers say Africa Textile Talks 2026 is designed to foster collaboration across the textile value chain while encouraging new approaches to manufacturing, fashion design and material development that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The programme is curated by Jackie May and Mphoentle Mongale, with advisory support from Sunny Dolat and Dr. Erica de Greef.
