Swahili Fashion Week: Over 40 designers attend East Africa's biggest fashion event

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02:24

Onto Tanzania now. East Africa's biggest fashion event - the Swahili Fashion Week, was on this past weekend in Dar es Salaam. Designers, investors, models and fans gathered at the National Museum for the latest trends. CGTN's Daniel Kijo has more.

The runway, amazing designs and awards are just some of the ingredients that tailor make one of East Africa's biggest fashion events. Internationally known, and one of this year's award winners Martin Kadinda says this is more than just a show.

MARTIN KADINDA AFRICAN DESIGNER OF THE YEAR "It's a way of being diplomatic to connect African people to one stage and showcase our creativity."

For over a decade the show emphasizes to the region that fashion is an income generating creative industry, meanwhile promoting a 'Made in Africa' concept.

DANIEL KIJO DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA "This is the 11th annual Swahili Fashion week and each year there is a central area of focus. And this time round the theme is the Swahili language and its promotion."

With over 40 designers present this year, it acts as a platform for up and coming young designers in the region. Designers like Bijoux trend and others aim to push East African products in African Diaspora markets.

IRADA WAIRI DESIGNER, IRADA STYLE "She has tried to incorporate some Swahili and our tourism attractions like Serengeti. So I can see she has tried to accommodate the culture and Swahili language within her outfits."

Created by celebrated Pan African couturier from Tanzania, Mustafa Hassanali in the year 2008 the longevity of the show is not absent of challenges.

MUSTAFA HASSANALI FOUNDER, SWAHILI FASHION WEEK "What difference can we do? Number 1, and number 2 how do we involve more support from development partners, government and the corporates?"

For now, organisers and designers regroup and go back to the drawing board till next year. Their goal is the same to make SFW the most sought out after and preferred fashion platform in Africa for the international market.

Daniel Kijo, CGTN, Dar es Salaam Tanzania.