Hub of Africa Fashion Week Centers Ethiopian Manufacturing in Continental Strategy

Hub of Africa Fashion Week concluded its 15th edition last week in Addis Ababa with four days of programming spanning designer showcases, manufacturing discussions, and market access initiatives.

The week opened with SAMRA Leather and included a Day Two Core Fashion Roundtable led by Linda Murithi of The Core Fashion Kenya. The closed-door session brought designers Ugo Monye, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, and Tumi Buys together with Ethiopian manufacturers, sourcing agents, and UK-based PR professionals to discuss production systems and supply chain development. The gathering marked Core Fashion Kenya’s first fashion tour outside Kenya, specifically focused on Ethiopian sourcing capabilities.

Day Two also featured the Creative DNA 3.0 Ethiopian Designers Showcase, a British Council partnership supporting ten start-up brands including ASHARO, SAIO, RE.COLORED LAB, and METII through mentorship and micro-grants.

Day Three’s cross-continental runway presented collections from designers across Ethiopia (Dagmawit, DANN, MAFI MAFI), Nigeria (Ejiro Amos Tafiri), South Africa (Naked Ape, Mantsho), Kenya (Studio Fit), Cameroon (NGWISA), and Russia (Ermilov). The week concluded with a designer marketplace enabling direct consumer sales.

Founder Mahlet Teklemariam has positioned HAFW around sustained designer development, with strategic advisor Waridi Schrobsdorff working with participants on collection preparation and brand positioning ahead of their showcases.