AllFashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026 returns to Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2) from 14–16 July 2026, marking a significant milestone as the City of Cape Town joins as a key partner in advancing Africa’s fashion, textile and apparel sector.
This partnership signals a shared vision to position Cape Town not only as a leading destination for tourism, but as a strategic hub for fashion, design, manufacturing and innovation on the African continent.
A Strategic Partnership Driving Industry Growth
The City of Cape Town’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to economic development, job creation and support for local manufacturing, particularly within the fashion and textile value chain. With the sector employing over 140,000 people nationally and facing increasing global competition, initiatives such as AllFashion Sourcing play a critical role in strengthening local capacity and global competitiveness.
“Cape Town is the home of nearly all major retailers and a rich community of designers, tailors, and clothing and textile manufacturers. Its representation, from large multinational retailers to micro-enterprises in the informal sector, make it a critical enabler of innovation, economic development, accessible style, and job creation. This is why the City, via the Economic Growth Directorate, is proud to support activations such as AllFashion Sourcing that have clear economic spin-offs for Cape Town and the rest of Africa.
In addition, the City’s Events Department continues to curate a dynamic and impactful events calendar that not only showcases our local talent and industries, but also drives visitor demand, supports small businesses, and unlocks further economic opportunities across the value chain,” said Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
Through this collaboration, the City aims to:
- Support local designers and manufacturers in accessing global markets
- Foster investment into Cape Town’s creative and production sectors
- Promote sustainable and circular fashion practices
- Position Cape Town as a gateway for African fashion on the global stage
A Comprehensive Marketplace for the Fashion and Textile Industry
Hosted at the expanded CTICC 2, AllFashion Sourcing 2026 will present a diverse and future-focused exhibition across key categories:
- Fabrics
- Fashion
- Components and Accessories
- Technology and Innovation
- Sustainability
- Leather
- Fashion Accessories
- Textile Care, Services, Home Textiles and Décor
The platform continues to serve as a vital meeting point for designers, manufacturers, buyers, retailers and industry leaders, enabling meaningful trade, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Celebrating Fashion, Creativity, and Innovation
Central to this year’s event is the continued celebration of African fashion excellence through curated experiences and industry-led programming, including:
- Exhibitor Fashion Shows showcasing new collections and innovations
- The Fringe Programme, featuring thought leadership discussions on sustainability, manufacturing, retail and future trends
- The Celebration of Fashion, honouring creativity, craftsmanship and industry impact
- The AFS Range, a curated showcase highlighting standout products, design innovation and commercial opportunities from exhibitors
These elements collectively reinforce AllFashion Sourcing’s role as both a business platform and a cultural moment, celebrating the richness and diversity of African fashion.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent: Young Designers Competition 2026
A cornerstone of the event, the Young Designers Competition 2026 returns with registrations that opened on the 5 February 2026.
The competition provides emerging designers with a powerful platform to:
- Showcase innovation and creativity
- Engage directly with buyers and industry leaders
- Gain exposure across media and retail networks
Full details and registration:
https://allfashionsourcing.za.messefrankfurt.com/capetown/en/Young-Designers-Competition/2026-Young-Designers-Competition.html
With the support of the City of Cape Town, AllFashion Sourcing 2026 is set to deliver an impactful, future-facing platform that connects African creativity with global opportunity.
As the industry continues to evolve, this partnership reinforces Cape Town’s role as a leading force in shaping the future of fashion on the continent and beyond.
Visitor Registration Now Open
Visitor registration for AllFashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026 is now officially open. Industry professionals are encouraged to register early to secure access to the exhibition, fashion shows and content programme.
Visitor registration link: https://app.messereg.com/events/visitor/allfashion-sourcing-2026
Join Us in Cape Town
AllFashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026 promises to be an essential meeting point for the African and international fashion and textile industry, offering inspiration, insight and opportunity at every level of the supply chain.
For more details about AllFashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026, visit our website: www.allfashionsourcing.com
Links to websites:
https://allfashionsourcing.za.messefrankfurt.com/capetown/en.html
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/background-information
Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt
