African Fashion Shines at Inaugural Tranoï Tokyo Trade Show Under CANEX Initiative

The showcase included Vanhu Vamwe from Zimbabwe, renowned for its ethical luxury handcrafted heirlooms blending traditional crafts with modern innovation.

The inaugural Tranoï Tokyo trade show, held on September 4-5, provided a vibrant platform for African fashion, featuring ten exceptional brands from Africa and the diaspora as part of Afreximbank’s CANEX Presents Africa initiative (www.Afreximbank.com).

The showcase included Vanhu Vamwe from Zimbabwe, renowned for its ethical luxury handcrafted heirlooms blending traditional crafts with modern innovation. Trinidad and Tobago’s The Cloth, founded in 1986 by Creative Director Robert Young, also presented its fashion forward designs. From Nigeria, Shekudo displayed its unique blend of heritage and contemporary style, which has recently expanded into footwear and accessories.

Other notable participants were Dina Shaker of Egypt, celebrated for elevating personal style; Adele Dejak from Nairobi, known for luxury fashion jewellery blending contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship; and Katush from Kenya, which explores historical and cultural perceptions through fashion. Anissa Meddeb’s ANISSA AIDA brought a fusion of Tunisian heritage and Japanese influence to the event.

The showcase also featured JUDY SANDERSON, a Portugal-based women’s ready-to-wear brand founded by South African designer Judy Sanderson; Fozia Endrias, an ethical casual wear brand from Addis Ababa; and Emmy Kasbit, a Nigerian sustainable fashion brand founded by Emmanuel Okoro and Daniel Olurin.

Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, emphasized that Afreximbank’s involvement in Tranoï Tokyo through CANEX aligns with its broader strategy to elevate African talent globally. “We are using CANEX at Tranoï Tokyo to position Afreximbank as a leader in supporting Africa's creative industries. This includes creating linkages between designers and industry stakeholders, facilitating market access, and integrating African fashion into the global value chain,” she said.

Mrs. Awani also highlighted the upcoming CANEX WKND 2024 in Algiers, scheduled for October 16-19, as a key event for business, investment, collaboration, and inspiration in the creative industry.

CANEX Presents Africa aims to support emerging fashion designers by providing skill transfer, linkages, partnerships, and market access opportunities, fostering the growth of financially sustainable businesses.

Since its inception, CANEX has showcased 80 designers from 27 African countries and the diaspora. The Tranoï Tokyo event attracted 3,499 visitors in just two days, featuring 170 avant-garde brands and designers, and drawing influential buyers from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and China, affirming its commitment to promoting global fashion innovation.