African Fashion Shows to Watch in 2026
The Runways Shaping the Continent’s Creative Future
African fashion continues to gain global recognition, and 2026 promises to be a landmark year. From sustainability-driven showcases in East Africa to international platforms connecting African designers with global buyers, the continent’s fashion calendar reflects innovation, culture, and commerce at their finest.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, designer, buyer, or industry insider, these are the African fashion shows to watch in 2026.
1. Nairobi Fashion Week (Kenya)
📍 Nairobi, Kenya | 🗓 January 28–31, 2026
Nairobi Fashion Week kicks off the African fashion calendar with a strong emphasis on sustainability, ethical fashion, and craftsmanship. The event showcases designers who merge contemporary aesthetics with traditional techniques while addressing environmental responsibility.
Alongside runway presentations, the fashion week hosts panel discussions and industry conversations focused on eco-friendly production and fashion entrepreneurship.
Why it matters:
Nairobi Fashion Week is a leading platform for conscious fashion in Africa, amplifying East African designers on the global stage.
2. Africa Sourcing & Fashion Week (ASFW) Dakar
📍 Dakar, Senegal | 🗓 March 26–28, 2026
ASFW Dakar is a powerful blend of fashion showcase and trade exhibition. It brings together designers, textile producers, manufacturers, and buyers from across West Africa and international markets.
The event features runway shows alongside exhibitions focused on textiles, leather goods, and apparel manufacturing.
Why it matters:
It is one of West Africa’s most important fashion business events, shaping sourcing partnerships and regional trends.
3. Threads of African Fashion Show (Nigeria)
📍 Abuja, Nigeria | 🗓 March 26–28, 2026
This vibrant showcase celebrates African heritage through modern design. Designers present collections that reinterpret traditional aesthetics with contemporary flair, supported by exhibitions and B2B networking sessions.
Why it matters:
It highlights Abuja’s growing influence in Nigeria’s fashion ecosystem while promoting cultural storytelling.
4. Africa Sourcing & Fashion Week Nairobi
📍 Nairobi, Kenya | 🗓 April 30 – May 2, 2026
ASFW Nairobi is fast becoming East and Central Africa’s most internationally attended sourcing and fashion event. With exhibitors from over 30 countries, the event combines runway showcases with trade exhibitions and business matchmaking.
Sustainability, textile innovation, and leather craftsmanship take center stage.
Why it matters:
It strengthens Africa’s position in the global fashion supply chain.
5. Wear Africa Fashion Week & Awards (UK)
📍 London, United Kingdom | 🗓 June 4–6, 2026
This event provides African designers with a global platform outside the continent. Wear Africa Fashion Week & Awards blends runway shows, trade exhibitions, cultural showcases, and awards celebrating African excellence.
Why it matters:
It connects African creatives with international buyers, media, and investors.
6. Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN)
📍 Nigeria | 🗓 Dates TBA (2026)
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria is one of the continent’s longest-running fashion showcases. The event spotlights emerging and established designers while celebrating African culture through fashion.
Why it matters:
AFWN continues to shape African fashion narratives from one of the continent’s largest creative markets.
7. Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST)
📍 Pan-African | 🗓 Dates TBA (2026)
MAFEST is a growing festival dedicated to fashion, culture, and creative innovation. Designers from over 20 African countries participate in runway shows, exhibitions, and business forums.
Why it matters:
It encourages collaboration and opens new market opportunities for African designers.
8. Tribal Fashion Week
📍 Rotating African Host Country | 🗓 November 23–29, 2026
Tribal Fashion Week is a pan-African initiative focused on ethnic, indigenous, and regional fashion aesthetics. Each edition highlights the host country’s cultural identity through fashion and storytelling.
Why it matters:
It preserves indigenous fashion traditions while introducing them to global audiences.
Other African Fashion Shows to Watch in 2026
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Lagos Fashion Week (Nigeria) — October 2026
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Swahili Fashion Week (Tanzania) — December 4–6, 2026
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Africa Fashion Week London — 2026
Conclusion
African fashion in 2026 is defined by creativity, sustainability, cultural pride, and global ambition. These fashion shows go beyond the runway — they are platforms for storytelling, economic growth, and international collaboration.
Following these events offers a front-row seat to the future of African fashion.
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