The Hub of Africa Fashion Week (HAFW) is underway in Addis Ababa, marking its 15th edition as one of Africa's longest-running and most influential fashion platforms. The five-day event, running from January 13 to 17, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, gathers designers and creatives from across the continent.
The Hub of Africa Fashion Week was founded by Mahlet Teklemariam and Natanem Teklemariam. It has evolved from a local showcase into a continental hub for African fashion, craftsmanship, and creative exchange. Over the past 15 years, the platform has elevated emerging talents and bolstered Addis Ababa's status as not just Africa's diplomatic capital but also a creative center.
This year's event kicked off with a luxury leather exhibition by SAMRA Leather, paving the way for a program featuring runway shows, exhibitions, and industry discussions. From January 15 to 16, the runway will feature a curated selection of designers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and other countries, highlighting labels that define modern African fashion.
HAFW 2026 continues its partnership with the British Council via the Creative DNA (CDNA) 3.0 Programme, which aids emerging designers through international exposure and business growth. The week emphasizes dialogue and collaboration beyond the runway. The Core Round Table Talk, led by Linda Murithi, brings together industry figures to discuss sustainability, market access, and the trajectory of African fashion. Attendees will also join The Fashion Tour, exploring prominent design studios and creative venues in Addis Ababa.
In its 15th year, the Hub of Africa Fashion Week serves as both a celebration and a professional platform, linking designers to markets, ideas, and global dialogues while staying anchored in its birthplace.
