23.07.2026 — Reports
ASFW 2025: Fashion, the Future, and Exchange – Addis Ababa as a Stage for Innovation
ASFW 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, impressively demonstrated just how vibrant, bold, and forward-looking the African fashion industry is—and how actively it seeks dialogue with international partners. From October 30 to November 2, the Ethiopian capital once again became a hub for brands, designers, technology providers, institutions, and investors from over 25 countries.
With a German Pavilion—in which the DTB was also represented—the trade show offered a unique opportunity to showcase German expertise and partnerships in East Africa. Visitors and exhibitors used the event to network, discover new trends, and launch joint projects.
October 30, 2025
On the first day of the fair, the fashion show took place at the National Palace. Under the theme “Timeless Silhouettes,” designs were presented that combine classic elegance and craftsmanship with modern creative elements. The event took place in the newly restored halls of the National Palace, a symbol of Ethiopia’s modern history and cultural heritage.
Fashion Show Schedule:
7:00–7:25 p.m.: Registration & Welcome Cocktail
7:30–7:40 p.m.: Opening Remarks
7:40–8:40 p.m.: Runway Show
8:40–8:50 p.m.: Closing Remarks
8:50–9:30 p.m.: Networking Cocktail
In his opening remarks, Skander Negasi, CEO of the Trade and Fairs Group, emphasized the connection between tradition and modernity in African fashion design.
October 31, 2025
On the second day, we had the privilege of moderating two high-profile panel discussions:
Panel 1: Sustainability and the Circular Economy
Participants: Jan Hilger (Livinguard Technologies), Saberi Borga (GIZ), Olaf Schmidt (Messe Frankfurt GmbH), Cyril Naicker (Fashion Accelerator & Sustainability Consultant)
Moderator: Susanne Pass (DTB)
The discussion focused on ways the textile industry can become more sustainable—from the circular economy and sustainable production parks to new opportunities for designers and brands to actively shape this transformation. One participant emphasized:
“It was a pleasure to join the panel discussion on Sustainability and Circular Economy … how brands, designers, producers, and trade fair organizers can support and help drive this transformation.”
Panel 2: Fashion Forward – The Impact of AI on the African Fashion Industry
Participants: Mekdes Asefa (AfroCore AI), Jan Hilger (Livinguard Technologies)
Moderator: Susanne Pass (DTB)
This session focused on the influence of artificial intelligence on the fashion industry in Africa—from design processes to production optimization and market entry strategies.
In the evening, a cocktail party organized by ASFW and Desta provided an opportunity for networking and in-depth discussions.
Days 3–4 of the Fair | November 1–2, 2025
The final days of the fair were all about nurturing relationships, holding discussions, and planning projects. Many valuable new partnerships and opportunities for collaboration were identified, which could lead to concrete projects in the coming months.
Conclusion
ASFW 2025 was a resounding success: It not only provided an overview of current trends and technological innovations but also served as a platform for sustainable development, creativity, and international cooperation. We look forward with great interest to the projects and partnerships that will emerge from this trade show and to continuing our collaboration with our partners in Ethiopia and beyond.