African Sourcing & Fashion Week Underways in Addis
ADDIS ABABA – The Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) has begun in Addis Ababa amid push to promote Ethiopian manufacturing industry and products to the world.
The trade fair is known as Africa’s largest meeting platform for fashion, sustainability and innovation.
Over 5,000 international trade visitors are expected to attend the 8th edition of the fair from 4 to 7 November 2022 at the Skylight Hotel.
Deputy chief of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) Daniel Teresa, said the ambition is to build on previous fair operations.
The government is also keen to show that Ethiopian institutions and private sector are committed to join forces, and promote the ‘Ethiopia Tamrit’ in Africa and beyond.
“Ease of doing business, legal and sectoral reform works and opening the economy to Foreign Direct Investors depicts commitment of the government to attract more investment and private sector led growth,” said the deputy commissioner.
Various companies from Africa, Asia and Europe along with 48 companies from the host, Ethiopia, are exhibiting their products at the 2022 ASFW.
The Ministry of Industry (MoI) and the EIC joined forces with German Development Cooperation or GIZ to support 11 Ethiopia-based companies.
This partnership, under the theme of ‘Ethiopia Tamrit’, aims to catalyze and sustain stronger business linkages between local companies and international buyers.
Industry Minister Melaku Alebele said the Government has engaged in prominent reforms and demonstrated its support to textile and garment companies.
“Despite the challenges, Ethiopia acquired a favorable position in the global value chain, and remains one of the African countries offering the largest production capacities, which could match with buyers’ requirements,” Melaku said.
“We wish to channel the driving forces to increase exports to international markets both in quality and quantity”.
In the 2022 ASFW, the visitors in the fashion and manufacturing industry, including investors, brands, wholesale, and retail will have further opportunity to attend a series of ASFW conferences with over 100 experts in the field with over 800 participants.
Panelists will address a wide variety of topics including local supply value chain, regional trade integration and environmental sustainability.
Featured Image Caption: A past edition of ASFW [Photo Files]
