Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2027 is set to be the largest expo for sourcing textiles, apparel, leather, and fashion in East Africa. Scheduled for 27-29 May 2027 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, this event will showcase over 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, including leading global brands.
Attendees can expect insightful discussions on sustainability, technology, and innovation in the textile and fashion sectors. Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2027 takes place in Nairobi,.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2027 runs from 27-29 May 2027 at Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.
- 2Scale and Focus: The event expects over 5,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Trade and Fairs East Africa Ltd. and Trade and Fairs Consulting GmbH.
- 4Buyer Authority: Targeted towards trade visitors, including industry professionals and buyers in textiles and fashion.
- 5Entry: Open to trade visitors only; registration required.
Why visit
Attending ASFW Nairobi provides unique networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators. Visitors can explore the latest trends in textiles and fashion, attend insightful conferences, and connect with suppliers from across the globe. This event is essential for professionals looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving fashion landscape. Programme highlight: Conference programme. Programme highlight: Elegance Alley. Programme highlight: Gallery Opening 2026.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at ASFW Nairobi offers unparalleled visibility to a targeted audience of trade visitors and industry professionals. Exhibitors can showcase their latest products, engage in B2B meetings, and establish valuable connections that can lead to significant business opportunities. This is a prime platform for brands looking to expand their reach in the East African market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Textile manufacturers and suppliers
Fashion designers and brands
Retail buyers and merchandisers
Sourcing agents and consultants
Industry analysts and media representatives
Government and trade officials
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Textile and fabric manufacturers
Apparel brands and designers
Leather goods producers
Machinery and technology suppliers
Sustainable fashion innovators
Accessory and footwear manufacturers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Fabrics including silk, cotton, and denim
Fashion apparel for men, women, and children
Leather products including bags and footwear
Home textiles and décor
Textile machinery and technology
Sustainable sourcing solutions
Location & Facilities
Venue
Sarit Expo Centre
Nairobi, Kenya
Facilities
Parking
Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi in Nairobi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi in Nairobi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
27 – 29 May 2027:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Who runs the show
Organisers
Trade and Fairs East Africa Ltd.
Trade and Fairs Consulting GmbH
What's on
Programme
2
Seminar
1
Event days
03:00–8:00
Typical time
Thursday, May 27, 2027
03:00
EXHIBITORS elegance fashion show & designers CONFERENCE
Seminar
8:00
am - 11:00 am Investors and Buyers Roundtable meeting led by the PS, Investment (Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry) By invite only. Special partners: Changes in program structure or an excha
Seminar
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
This edition
—
Visitors: 5,000
Exhibitors: 200
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
- 1
—
The organiser published a dedicated 2026 catalog at asfw-nairobi.com/catalog2026/ with a linked exhibitors-services section, giving buyers a structured pre-show sourcing directory.
Source - 2
—
A designer-focused Elegance Alley zone featured on the organiser site, adding a fashion-creative showcase alongside the textile sourcing halls.
Source - 3
—
A gallery opening event tied to the 2026 edition, extending the show into visual arts and fashion presentation.
Source - 4
—
The International Labour Organisation contributed a session on productivity ecosystems for decent work, adding a labour-standards strand to the conference programme.
Source
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Nairobi, Kenya
Why it matters
Attending ASFW Nairobi provides unique networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators. Visitors can explore the latest trends in textiles and fashion, attend insightful conferences, and connect with suppliers from across the globe.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Textile Industry News Kenya | Daily Fashion Headlines Kenya
ReadKenya Archives - Middle East Africa Textile News - Kohan Textile Journal
ReadKenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency About Keproba
ReadKenya is Exporting More Textiles to the US, But Earning Less
ReadKenya's Textile and Apparel Renaissance - ITRC
ReadRead all Latest Textiles Industrial News in kenya- Fibre2Fashion
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Primary international gateway for ASFW Nairobi; long-haul arrivals from Europe, the Gulf, Asia and other African hubs land here. Immigration, eTA checks and baggage reclaim can take 45-60 minutes at peak arrival banks
Approx. 18-22 km from Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands, via Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way
to venue
Allow 40-75 minutes depending on Nairobi traffic; peak-hour arrivals can take longer. Estimate only - confirm with your transfer provider
by car
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Domestic and regional light-aircraft airport south-west of the city centre; useful for Kenyan safari or coastal add-ons, not for international arrivals
Approx. 8-12 km from Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands
to venue
Approx. 20-40 minutes depending on traffic
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Best Western Premier Westlands
midscale
Westlands140 m from Sarit Expo Centre (2-3 minute walk) to venue4-star, 4.6 guest rating, eco-certified; breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, fitness center, spa, bar and restaurant listed in Google Hotels capture. Closest captured option for buyers who want to walk to the halls.
Park Inn By Radisson Nairobi Westlands
midscale
Westlands260 m from Sarit Expo Centre (3-5 minute walk) to venue4-star, 4.6 guest rating, eco-certified; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center, bar and restaurant listed in Google Hotels capture. Pool and gym make it a common pick for multi-day sourcing trips.
ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands
economy
Westlands540 m from Sarit Expo Centre (7-10 minute walk) to venue3-star, 4.7 guest rating, eco-certified; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, fitness center, spa, bar and restaurant listed in Google Hotels capture. Lowest-priced captured tier within walking distance of the venue.
Jacaranda Hotel - Nairobi
midscale
WestlandsNear Sarit Expo Centre per Google Hotels results (short drive or 10-15 minute walk) to venue4-star, 4.3 guest rating; breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center, spa and bar listed in Google Hotels capture. Quieter garden-style property suited to exhibitor teams staying through build-up and show days.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
matatu / city bus
Estimated costApprox. KES 50-100 per single matatu trip along Waiyaki Way (estimate; confirm fares on board)
Best forNairobi CBD to Sarit Centre stage, Waiyaki Way (line 119 listed among Rome2rio options)
Cheapest way into Westlands. Fares are paid in cash or via M-Pesa on board; expect crowded vehicles at rush hour and allow extra time. Moovit and Busmaps both list Sarit Center / Sarit Centre Stage stop pages.
taxi / ride-hail (airport run)
Estimated costApprox. KES 2,000-3,500 per car for a Bolt or Uber, or a pre-booked airport taxi (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forJomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) (NBO) to Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi
Airport taxi counters and app pickups both operate at JKIA terminals 1A-1E. Bolt publishes a dedicated route page from Nairobi Airport Terminal 1A-D to Sarit Centre. Traffic on Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way is heavy from 07:00-09:30 and 17:00-19:30.
taxi / ride-hail (short hop)
Estimated costApprox. KES 300-600 per short app cab or boda-boda hop within Westlands (estimate; confirm on the app)
Best forWestlands hotels and restaurants to Sarit Expo Centre halls
Worth it only in heavy rain or with sample bags; the closest hotels are a 2-10 minute walk. Ride-hail pickups cluster at the Sarit Centre car park entrances.
walk
Estimated costFree
Best forWestlands hotels to Sarit Expo Centre halls
Captured hotels sit 140-540 m from the venue, a 2-10 minute walk on paved footpaths; the Ring Road Westlands / Waiyaki Way junction is busy, so cross at marked points.
private car / parking
Estimated costPaid hourly mall parking; rate confirmed at the venue (estimate)
Best forSarit Centre mall and Expo Centre parking, Waiyaki Way
On-site parking is available at Sarit Expo Centre and the adjoining Sarit Centre mall; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site before driving in.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from WIL to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forWilson Airport (WIL) (WIL) to Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi
Approx. 20-40 minutes depending on traffic; Domestic and regional light-aircraft airport south-west of the city centre; useful for Kenyan safari or coastal add-ons, not for international arrivals.
Weather
Nairobi sits at roughly 1,700 m, so late May is mild rather than hot: expect daytime highs near 23 C, cool evenings around 13-15 C, and the tail of the long rains with roughly 16 rain days in May and short, heavy afternoon showers. Halls and meeting rooms are indoor, but allow buffer time for wet-weather traffic on Waiyaki Way and Mombasa Road. Values are climate averages for Nairobi, not organiser data - check a forecast in the final week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Westlands has solid 4G and growing 5G coverage from Kenyan operators such as Safaricom and Airtel; a local prepaid SIM or eSIM with a data bundle is cheap and gives a Kenyan number for ride-hail and delivery apps. Mobile money (M-Pesa) is used for taxis, matatus and small purchases, so load credit early. Wi-Fi is listed at the captured Westlands hotels; confirm whether Sarit Expo Centre provides exhibitor and press Wi-Fi, and bring a power bank plus a UK-style Type G adapter for Kenyan sockets.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and greetings
English and Swahili are both official; business meetings in Nairobi usually open with a handshake and a few minutes of personal conversation before commercial topics. Kenyans in the textile and apparel trade are used to international buyers, so English-only meetings are normal at ASFW.
Business dress and image
Smart business attire is expected at a sourcing and fashion-week event; exhibitors showing collections often dress to their brand. Nairobi's altitude means mornings and evenings are cool, so tailoring with a light layer works better than summer-weight only.
Payments and pricing
Prices are quoted in Kenyan shillings; M-Pesa mobile money is standard for taxis, meals and small purchases, while cards work at hotels and malls. Confirm whether quoted fabric or unit prices are FOB Mombasa, ex-factory or landed before comparing offers.
Timekeeping and meetings
Nairobi traffic makes schedules flexible; confirm appointments the day before and build slack around the Investors and Buyers Roundtable and other invitation-only sessions, which run to fixed times.
Safety and city etiquette
Use app-based transport after dark, avoid displaying phones or laptops in slow-moving traffic, and keep bags zipped in crowded markets. Ask your hotel about walking routes between Westlands hotels and Sarit Expo Centre, and avoid photographing government or security buildings.
Tipping and hospitality
Tipping is not mandatory but 10 percent in restaurants and small amounts for porters and drivers are appreciated. Hospitality around a shared meal or tea is common in Kenyan sourcing relationships, so budget time for it after hall hours.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: NBO
Book to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). For the 27-29 May 2027 dates, plan to land by 26 May so a delayed flight or long immigration queue does not cost you the opening day; depart 30 May or later if you want post-show factory visits. Nairobi is best served via Gulf, Ethiopian and European hubs rather than many direct long-haul routes, so compare one-stop itineraries and check whether baggage allowances cover fabric sample cases. Fares rise around Kenyan school holidays and major regional events - compare fares early and confirm the entry requirements (eTA) before ticketing.
Visa
Kenya now routes most visitors through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) applied for online before travel; business travellers should check the eTA/e-visa category that matches their purpose of visit on the official Kenyan government portals. Rules changed for 2026, so re-check eligibility before booking flights.
Processing: Apply online ahead of travel; the official eTA portal is evisa.go.ke - confirm the current processing window on the portal before booking flights.
Official sources captured: evisa.go.ke (Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization application) and immigration.go.ke (Directorate of Immigration Services). Third-party guidance on Kenya eTA and visa-free rules for 2026 is summarized at business.co.ke. Carry a printed approval alongside your passport and ASFW registration confirmation.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) (NBO): Allow 40-75 minutes depending on Nairobi traffic; peak-hour arrivals can take longer. Estimate only - confirm with your transfer provider; Wilson Airport (WIL) (WIL): Approx. 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Allow road or rail time to Sarit Expo Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Sarit Expo Centre: Westlands: Best Western Premier Westlands; Westlands: Park Inn By Radisson Nairobi Westlands; Westlands: ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands.
Ride-hail: Bolt and Uber both operate in Nairobi, including airport pickups at JKIA and the Westlands and Sarit Centre area; a Bolt route page from Nairobi Airport Terminal 1A-D to Sarit Centre is published. Pay by card in the app or with M-Pesa, and confirm the plate and driver name before entering. Surge pricing applies during rain and rush hour, and short hops within Westlands run to a few hundred shillings - budget KES 300-600 for a short cab and KES 2,000-3,500 for the airport run (estimates).
Public transit: Nairobi has no metro or commuter rail link to Westlands; movement is by matatu minibuses and city buses plus app cabs. Matatu routes along Waiyaki Way serve Sarit Centre stage (line 119 appears among Rome2rio options from central Nairobi), with Moovit and Busmaps listing Sarit Center / Sarit Centre Stage stops. Fares are paid in cash or via M-Pesa on board and are typically KES 50-100 per trip (estimate; confirm locally). Buses are busiest at 07:00-09:30 and 17:00-19:30, so allow extra time for morning sessions.
Parking: Sarit Expo Centre and the adjoining Sarit Centre mall provide on-site parking off Waiyaki Way, with the closest captured hotels also offering free guest parking. Charges and exhibitor loading-bay access are set by the venue, so confirm daily rates, build-up vehicle slots and hall access with the organiser or venue before driving in; expect queues at the Ring Road Westlands junction during show mornings.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May 2027 (27-29 May), tail of Kenya's long-rains season at roughly 1,700 m altitude
Temperature: Daytime highs near 23 C with evenings around 13-15 C; Nairobi's altitude keeps late May mild rather than tropical. Based on May climate averages for Nairobi from weather aggregation sites, not organiser data - check the forecast in the final week.
Seasonality: Late May sits at the end of the long rains: May climate listings for Nairobi report roughly 16 rain days, usually short heavy afternoon or evening showers rather than all-day rain. Wet roads slow Waiyaki Way and Mombasa Road traffic, so leave slack before timed sessions such as the Investors and Buyers Roundtable.
Packing: Pack light layers for mild days and cool evenings, a compact umbrella or breathable rain shell for showers, closed comfortable shoes for walking between the Westlands hotels and the halls, a power bank and Type G plug adapter, and business-casual or collection-appropriate attire for buyer meetings and catwalk sessions. Add a light scarf or jacket for air-conditioned halls and evening events.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm ASFW Nairobi visitor registration via asfw-nairobi.com and print the confirmation for the badge desk.
Day 12
Apply for the Kenya eTA at evisa.go.ke and check your passport has at least six months validity.
Day 10
Book a Westlands hotel (Best Western Premier, Park Inn By Radisson or ibis Styles are 140-540 m from the Sarit Expo Centre) for 26-30 May 2027.
Day 8
Book flights into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and arrange an airport transfer; Bolt and Rome2rio list direct NBO to Sarit Centre routes.
Day 6
Download the ASFW B2B app and request buyer-seller meetings before on-site slots fill.
Day 4
Draft a short buying brief covering fabric types, garment categories and volumes you want to source on the floor.
Day 2
Pack light layers, a rain shell for May showers, business cards and a charged power bank for the halls.
Day 1
Collect your badge at the Sarit Expo Centre, walk the hall layout first, then work your pre-booked meetings.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2027 registration concourse
Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2027, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You buy or specify fabrics, garments, leather goods or apparel inputs and want to meet East African and international suppliers in one hall.
Best for
Apparel and textile buyers, sourcing managers, brand and design teams, and policy or investment delegates evaluating Kenyan and East African garment supply.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
Register via the organiser form and book Westlands accommodation 4-8 weeks before 27 May 2027; apply for the Kenya eTA at least two weeks ahead.
Risks
2027 conference sessions and exhibitor list were not yet published in captured sources - check asfw-nairobi.com closer to the show.
exhibit
You want qualified meetings with buyers from Kenya, the wider East African Community and international sourcing offices based in Nairobi.
Best for
Textile mills, garment manufacturers, trims and accessories suppliers, apparel machinery and chemical firms, and footwear or leather producers targeting East African buyers.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking via the organiser registration form, freight into Nairobi, and B2B app meeting scheduling before the show.
Risks
2027 stand rates were not published in captured pages - request the exhibitor folder from the organiser.
May long-rains showers can slow freight and local transport in Nairobi, so build buffer into logistics.
skip
Your products or buying brief sit outside ASFW's apparel and textile sourcing scope, or Nairobi travel is not justified by your pipeline for this edition.
Best for
Teams outside the textile, apparel, leather, fashion or apparel-machinery supply chain, or those with no East African sourcing mandate.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is ASFW Nairobi 2027 held?
Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week Nairobi 2027 runs 27-29 May 2027 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. The Sarit Centre complex on Waiyaki Way is the venue address to give taxi drivers and ride-hail apps.
How do I register as a visitor for ASFW Nairobi?
Use the organiser's online registration form at asfw-nairobi.com/fusion_element/registration-form/. Visitor tickets are not sold through third-party ticketing platforms in captured sources - register through the official domain and bring your confirmation to the badge desk.
How do I book a stand at ASFW Nairobi 2027?
Start with the same registration form on asfw-nairobi.com and request the exhibitor folder and rate card; stand prices for 2027 were not published in captured pages. The organiser's PDF folder and the B2B app page are the routes to meeting scheduling once booked.
What product sectors does ASFW Nairobi cover?
ASFW Nairobi is a textile, apparel and fashion sourcing trade event: fabrics, garments, home textiles, leather and footwear, accessories, and the machinery, chemicals and services that support apparel production, plus a designer showcase via Elegance Alley.
Do I need a visa to attend ASFW Nairobi as a business visitor?
Kenya requires most visitors to hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or e-visa before arrival. Apply on the official Kenyan government portal at evisa.go.ke and confirm your nationality's category and processing time before booking flights.
Where should I stay for ASFW Nairobi at the Sarit Expo Centre?
Westlands is the closest practical base. Google Hotels lists Best Western Premier Westlands (140 m), Park Inn By Radisson Nairobi Westlands (260 m) and ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands (540 m) within walking distance of the Sarit Expo Centre.
Glossary
- ASFW
- Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week - the Nairobi textile, apparel and fashion sourcing trade event organised under the asfw-nairobi.com domain.
- eTA
- Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation, the online pre-travel approval most visitors need before flying to Nairobi.
- EPZA
- Export Processing Zones Authority, the Kenyan agency that issues a welcome note for ASFW Nairobi and promotes Kenya's export manufacturing zones.
- B2B app
- The ASFW Nairobi matchmaking application used by buyers and exhibitors to schedule meetings around the show.
- Elegance Alley
- A designer and fashion showcase zone featured within the ASFW Nairobi floor plan.
- Waiyaki Way
- The main road through Westlands, Nairobi, where the Sarit Centre and Sarit Expo Centre sit; the Sarit Centre stage on Waiyaki Way is the local bus stop.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- ASFW Nairobi 2027
- textile trade show Nairobi
- fashion exhibition Kenya
- Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2027 Nairobi
- Africa Sourcing 2027
- Africa Sourcing Nairobi 2027
- Fashion Week Nairobi 2027
- Nairobi Kenya
- Trade Show Nairobi 2027
- Textiles
2 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week
- official_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.