UK and Ethiopian fashion businesses connect at Africa trade show
From 7 to 12 November 2024, in the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, four top UK fashion industry experts embarked on an immersive experience at Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW). This unique visit created new opportunities for sustainable trade partnerships, bridging the UK fashion market with Ethiopia’s growing manufacturing sector.
The UK experts explored Ethiopia’s production landscape, accompanied by Escipión Oliviera-Gómez, ITC Director of the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions. They visited over 15 businesses, including artisan studios such as Muya Ethiopia and Sabahar, renowned for their handcrafted textiles. They also went to large-scale manufacturers in the Bole Lemi, Hawassa and Adama Industrial Parks.
These site visits showcased the country’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices, reinforcing Ethiopia’s potential to meet the demand for responsibly sourced fashion.
‘It was an incredible experience to visit Ethiopia in collaboration with ITC and the UK government,’ said David Leigh-Pemberton from the British Fashion Council. ‘We explored a diverse range of Ethiopian suppliers, from large-scale industrial manufacturers to skilled artisans and craftspeople who create stunning handwoven textiles. The breadth of supply and the variety of Ethiopian businesses hold immense appeal for the European fashion market. From designers to fashion buyers, there is significant potential for Ethiopia, along with other strong African markets, to become key suppliers for European brands.’
In addition to the experts’ visits, three companies from Tanzania and one from Ethiopia exhibited their products at ASFW, further showcasing the region’s growing capacity to meet global fashion demands sustainably. They were able to make 20 connections with potential customers for a potential $615,000 in sales.
The experience also led to discussions about tangible partnerships. Following the visits, the experts expressed interest in developing five potential trade partnerships with Ethiopian manufacturers, underscoring the growing interest in Ethiopia as a sustainable sourcing destination.
At ASFW, the experts joined two panel discussions:
- ‘Bridging Borders: Enhancing Ethiopian Market Appeal in the UK Through Trade, Circularity, and Sustainable Development.’
- ‘Aligning with UK Brands’ Circularity Needs: Empowering Manufacturers through Sustainable Innovation and Ethical Partnerships.’
The sessions explored how Ethiopian manufacturers could meet the UK’s growing focus on circularity and sustainability.
Circularity expoert Muchaneta ten Napel, founder of Shape Innovate, moderated the panels.
‘Through moderating an expert panel discussion that brought together key voices from policy, fashion and manufacturing sectors, our discussion spotlighted Ethiopia’s emerging textile industry,’ she said.
Through initiatives like these, the UKTP programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, is not only fostering trade relationships but also positioning Ethiopia as a premier hub for sustainable fashion sourcing. This reflects a shared vision for ethical, impactful, and future-focused fashion.
About United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP)
UKTP is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. UKTP aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom and the European Union by maximizing the benefits of UK and EU Economic Partnership Agreements and the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
UKTP implements various trade promotion and capacity building activities around the world at different stages of the value chain. UKTP works in partnership with government agencies, private sector organisations, public sector institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and other local stakeholders.
