In November 2025, UKFT visited in Destination Africa in Cairo, hosted by the Apparel Export Council of Egypt (AECE). The trade show offered UK fashion and textile businesses an in depth view of Egypt’s manufacturing capabilities and highlighted opportunities for collaboration with local and international suppliers.

About Destination Africa
The event brought together a wide range of exhibitors, including garment manufacturers, textile producers, and accessory suppliers, reflecting the breadth and depth of Egypt’s apparel sector. Visitors had the opportunity to explore Egypt’s CMT capabilities, fabric and accessory production, and the growing presence of vertically integrated suppliers.

Key insights

• Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs): Egypt’s QIZ framework continues to support export-oriented manufacturing, particularly for the US market, enabling duty-free access for products meeting specific rules of origin. This structure underpins Egypt’s appeal for international brands seeking reliable, compliant sourcing.
• American Investment: US investment in the Egyptian apparel sector remains strong, contributing to factory upgrades, productivity improvements, and compliance systems. Many facilities serving the US market have adopted international ESG and social compliance standards.
• Strategic Positioning: Egypt’s geographic location and trade agreements position it as a hub for sourcing across Africa and the Middle East, with access to Mediterranean ports and a well-established domestic industrial base.

International engagements
The show facilitated discussion with multilateral trade associations, brands, and policy stakeholders. Sessions highlighted the importance of QIZs, regional integration, and the potential for expanding Egypt’s export capabilities to European and global markets.

Highlights from the UK delegation
UK buyers engaged with Egyptian manufacturers on CMT operations, fabric sourcing and sustainability practices. The delegation noted the sector’s responsiveness to ESG requirements, competitive production timelines and the advantages of Egypt’s established export frameworks.

Interested in future sourcing missions?
UKFT continues to coordinate sourcing visits designed to build informed, long-term trade relationships. These visits are free for participating buyers (conditions apply) and provide practical insight into emerging and established sourcing markets, supporting responsible, transparent supply chains.

For further information on participation in future sourcing missions, please contact info@ukft.org.

UKFT GLOBAL SOURCING OPPORTUNITIES