"Swahili Fashion Week" is one of the biggest and most prestigious annual fashion events in Africa, providing a platform for fashion and accessory designers from Swahili-speaking countries and beyond to showcase their talent, market their creativity, and network with clientele and the international fashion industry.
The event aims to emphasize that fashion is a business and a creative industry that generates income, while promoting the "Made in Africa" concept.
Founded in 2008 by renowned Pan-African couturier Mustafa Hassanali, Swahili Fashion Week has grown into a highly anticipated event on the continental calendar.
The 2025 edition marks its 19th year and will take place in Dar es Salaam from December 4-6, 2026, continuing its mission to drive innovation, foster collaborations, and shine a global spotlight on East African design excellence.
At Swahili Fashion Week:
Swahili Fashion Week is geared towards fostering pathways for African talents to the global fashion industry.
Fashion Week aims to;
- Create platform and endless opportunities
- Empowering local talents
- Cultural exchange and promotion
- Fostering industry networking
- Capacity building
- Enhancing the image of African fashion industry
The Swahili Fashion Week logo is a graphic image of the African continent resembling of the Kipepeo (the Swahili name for a vibrant, colorful butterfly).
The image of Africa resembles the face of an African woman with her characteristic head wrap; the sharp models give a glamorous feel to the "Fashion is Business" and "Made in Africa" ideas. The wings resemble the direction aimed at taking African fashion to an international market.