Source Africa and ATF, two of Africa’s largest textile, apparel and footwear shows hosted by organizer LTE has been acquired by Messe Frankfurt, one of the world´s leading trade show organizers. This acquisition will supplement Messe Frankfurt’s current portfolio of textile related trade shows under the umbrella of 'Texpertise Network'.

Messe Frankfurt are honoured that LTE has selected them as preferred partners, and look forward to working with them to ensure they take both events to a new level.

Konstantin von Vieregge, CEO of Messe Frankfurt SA said that they believe that Messe Frankfurt South Africa possesses the resources, skills and experience, globally and with the help of their Texpertise Network, to grow these events further.

Messe Frankfurt SA is committed to ensuring the growth of these industries in South Africa, and wants to expose the country's potential to the rest of the world.

William Scalco, member at LTE said that the primary reason for Source Africa and ATF is to promote African made apparel, textiles and footwear and to encourage interaction between international and regional buyers, manufacturers and suppliers. The event also aims to boost investment into the region and ensure sustainable job creation within the sector.

South Africa has also recently signed the EAC-COMESA-SADC Tri-partite agreement. The agreement will offer the advantage of reduced tariffs on goods traded between the tripartite countries and create new opportunities for intra-regional trade. Africa is ideally placed to take full advantage of these opportunities.

With this acquisition, Messe Frankfurt strengthens its textile activities in Africa. In October 2017, Messe Frankfurt will partner for the first time with Africa Fashion and Sourcing Week in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. As part of the partnership, the three new trade fair brands Texworld Addis Abeba, Apparel Sourcing Addis Abeba and Texprocess Addis Abeba will be launched within the Africa.

Source Africa is scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during June 20-21, 2018. The 2017 ATF trade show will take place during November 21-23 at the CTICC in Cape Town.