Africa Takes Centre Stage at BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow
Africa’s growing influence on the global fashion industry was on full display at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, where delegates from 15 African nations joined over 65 countries for the world’s largest international fashion gathering.
The Summit, held at the end of August, provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss the evolving global fashion landscape, with Africa emerging as a dynamic force. Open-source data indicates that African textile exports now account for 2–3% of the global market, a share that is steadily rising as international investors take greater interest in the continent’s creative and manufacturing potential.
Countries such as South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya are leading this transformation, establishing themselves as key market players while demonstrating strong commitments to sustainable practices. Their presence at the Summit highlighted Africa’s ability to blend innovation with cultural heritage, positioning the continent as a driver of future global trends.
African designers impressed audiences with collections distinguished by vibrant colour palettes, bold cultural references, and inventive use of traditional materials. Panellists including Mahlet Teklemariam (Hub of Africa Fashion Week, Ethiopia), Susan Sabet (Egyptian Fashion and Design Council), Mahlet Afework (Mafi Mafi, Ethiopia), Nana Tamakloe (Accra Fashion Week, Ghana), Mmantlha Sankoloba (Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association), and Anis Montacer (Tunis Fashion Week) shared insights into how African brands are redefining creativity and competitiveness.
South Africa’s fashion sector was also in the spotlight, with representatives from Soweto Fashion Week, the University of Johannesburg, and the Cape Town College of Fashion Design emphasising innovation, technological modernisation, and quality improvements as key drivers of growth. Celebrated designer David Tlale, who has previously showcased at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, presented his latest collection at Moscow Fashion Week, held alongside the Summit.
“My vision is that we move beyond conversations into action — collaborating, supporting, and uplifting each other. ‘Proudly Made in South Africa by South Africans’ has always been our mantra, and through BRICS collaboration we can take that pride to global stages,” Tlale said.
Susan Sabet of Egypt Fashion Week added: “BRICS+ is an excellent example of how international fashion events can drive cross-cultural exchange and communication. Fashion and craftsmanship are becoming increasingly important for building unique brand identities and representing a country’s culture and ethos.”
With Africa’s strong participation and growing influence, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit highlighted the continent’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global fashion.
