The highly anticipated East Africa Textile and Leather Week [EATLW] 2023 commenced today with a remarkable opening ceremony at Arabuko Hall, Sarit Expo Center. This three-day conference and exhibition, taking place from June 28th to 30th, brings together key industry stakeholders and thought leaders from around the globe to explore the vast potential of East Africa’s garment manufacturing sector.
The apparel and textile industry in Africa, estimated to be valued at $31 billion in 2020, has become the continent’s second-largest sector after agriculture. With its continuous growth, this industry holds tremendous potential for job creation, particularly for women and youth. EATLW 2023 aims to be a game-changer in the East African textile landscape, serving as the most exclusive meeting platform for the home textile, leather accessories, and footwear industries.
Skander Negasi, Organizer & CEO of Trade and Fairs GmbH, expressed his excitement for EATLW 2023, saying, “EATLW aims to be a transformative event that propels the East African textile and leather industry to new heights. We are thrilled to bring together industry stakeholders and thought leaders from around the world to explore the immense potential of this sector and foster meaningful collaborations. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship, EATLW is set to shape the future of the region’s fashion landscape.
Featuring 150 exhibitors from East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as 3,500 wholesalers, retailers, chains, manufacturers, and dealers from East and Central Africa, EATLW 2023 promises to showcase the vibrant fashion, textile, and leather industry of the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, explore business opportunities, and gain insights into sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship.
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Mr. Thomas Wimmer, Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya, shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This expo is about celebrating the vibrant fashion, textile, and leather industry of the region and will allow participants to have a better view of the East Africa textile landscape. For the next 2 days, we expect key industry stakeholders from around the globe to engage in meaningful exchanges with each other and explore opportunities to establish business relations.”
The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Dr. Juma Mukhwana, the Chief Guest and PS for Industry, representing the Government of Kenya. In his address, Dr. Mukhwana highlighted the government’s commitment to developing the textile and leather value chains, recognizing their significance in driving national prosperity.
