Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Why Uganda Is East Africa’s Next Fashion Frontier

Early movers Adidas and Puma are gaining ground in Uganda, but other Western retailers have left the market open to Asian competitors even as a rapidly growing middle class and style-conscious youth fuel demand.

Guests walk the red carpet at the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards in Kampala, Uganda. (Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards via Instagram)

Kingsley Kobo

14 April 2026

Uganda is ripe for investment but is often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, retail leaders in Kampala say. While Kenya’s status as East Africa’s shopping hub is not disputed, they add that Uganda has the potential to narrow the gap, especially in the mass market.

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

The African Fashion Hub Punching Above Its Weight

Ivory Coast is home to fashion businesses focused on international investment and regional trade that one might expect to find in larger countries on the continent.

Kenya, Africa's Next Frontier

As Nigeria and Angola dazzle the luxury sector, Kenya seems focused on building a fashion market for everyone.

Made in Ethiopia: Fashion's Next Sourcing Hub?

Ethiopian manufacturers are becoming increasingly competitive and ambitious, but can East Africa really provide an affordable sourcing alternative to Asia?

About the author

Kingsley Kobo

Kingsley Kobo is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. Kobo is a writer based in Côte d’Ivoire who covers African fashion, business, environment, and culture.

In This Article

Topics

Global Markets

Mumbai’s Le Mill Acquired by Burgundy Brand Collective

The Colaba boutique that helped introduce global luxury brands to Indian shoppers is set to become the first concept store in Burgundy Brand Collective’s fashion portfolio.

Fashion’s Race to the Indian Stock Market

From high-growth garment exporters to billion-dollar jewellers, Indian companies are gearing up for IPOs even as global economic uncertainty and market volatility threaten to delay some listings.

Worldview | South African Fashion Week’s Runway Reboot

This week’s round-up of global markets fashion business news also features Chinese casualwear giants, Turkey’s modest fashion expo and Brazilian retailers’ bet on Uruguay.

Worldview | Rio de Janeiro Stages Fashion Week Comeback

This week’s round-up of global markets fashion business news also features Dubai malls, Mexican designers and China’s social commerce giant.

Adwoa Beauty to Enter Liquidation

A Texas court ruled that the hair-care label’s bankruptcy filing be converted to Chapter 7.

How Chanel Became the Hottest Brand in Fashion

As the French couture giant cruised into Biarritz this week, surging interest in its revamp under designer Matthieu Blazy scored it the top spot on the Lyst Index. But could Blazymania go too far?

Building Connection Through Luxury’s Sensory Evolution

Luxury fragrance house Amouage, together with The Business of Fashion, convened leading creatives for an evening of open dialogue on the evolution of the luxury industry — from visual symbol to deeper emotional connection.

The BoF Podcast | Inside Dries Van Noten’s Venice Manifesto

After stepping back from his namesake brand, Dries Van Noten has opened a foundation in a Venetian palazzo dedicated to craft, beauty, and the things made by hand and soul. BoF's Tim Blanks speaks with the designer about why, in ugly times, making something beautiful is the only real form of protest.

The Business of Fashion