Cape Town hosted Africa’s leading textile and fashion industry event Allfashion Sourcing at the CTICC. The event was supported by the City of Cape Town and connected designers, manufacturers, retailers and entrepreneurs to unlock opportunities for African fashion.
Allfashion Sourcing promotes sustainable innovation and grow local businesses. It majorly highlighted the Business Matchmaking Programme and the Young Designers Competition, under the theme – “Circular by Design: Reuse. Repurpose. Recycle.”
The two-day event of Allfashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026 began on July 14, 2026 and concluded on July 16, 2026. It provided a great chance to make connections, share ideas and shape future of fashion.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos said that he had the privilege of participating in the opening of Allfashion sourcing Cape Town 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). It was a celebration of African creativity, innovation and opportunity.
Alderman Vos added that the event was about so much more than fashion. It brought together designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, students, buyers and sustainability leaders to showcase what Africa can achieve when they connect ideas with opportunity.
He stated that Africa has the resources, the talent and the creativity to build a stronger textile and apparel industry. Through opportunities alike the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, they can expand from exporting raw materials to creating more products, businesses and jobs right here on the continent only.
Cape Town is proud to support platforms that help businesses to grow, create connections and unlock new markets. The future of fashion is being designed, made and shaped by Africans, and Cape Town is proud to be part of that journey.
Allfashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026 officially opened and began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, symbolising the start of three days dedicated to business, innovation, collaboration and the future of the textile and fashion industry.
The ceremony was led by an esteemed group of dignitaries that included Chinese Consul General in Cape Town – Ren Faqiang; City of Cape Town’s MMC for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos; Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt – Detlef Braun; and Michael Dehn and Natasha Pearce of Messe Frankfurt South Africa.
The event also welcomed Head of Textiles and Wood Products at the IDC – Nicole Moonsamy; Head of Social Impact Portfolio Development at Nedbank – Maluta Netshaulu; Deputy Director of the Agency for the Development of Light Industry under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan – Rukhullo; and Trade and Economic Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of South Africa – Fuat.
The energy of event was unmatched. From inspiring conversations and innovative exhibitors to runway moments and meaningful connections, every corner of Allfashion Sourcing 2026brought the industry together.