Swahili Fashion Week is the largest and most influential annual fashion event in Africa, offering an exceptional platform for fashion and accessory designers from Swahili-speaking countries and beyond. It provides a space to showcase talent, market creativity, and connect with clients 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 18th year and will take place in Dar es Salaam from December 5–7, 2025, continuing its mission to drive innovation, foster collaborations, and shine a global spotlight on East African design excellence.
At Swahili Fashion Week:
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.
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