Nairobi Expo Offers South Sudan Importers Access to China

(Nairobi) – South Sudanese traders and business representatives were among the key participants at the second edition of the East Africa Fashion Life Show held at Nairobi’s Sarit Expo Centre from June 19 to 21. The event  organized by Afripeak Expo (Kenya) Ltd has rapidly grown into a major lifestyle and consumer goods platform, drawing participants from across East Africa, including a notable delegation from South Sudan.

The 2025 edition expanded significantly from its 2024 debut, featuring over 70 exhibitors from Kenya and China. It showcased a wide range of products including apparel, home décor, beauty and personal care, electronics, and introduced for the first time cosmetics and wigs. These products are increasingly in demand in South Sudan, where local supply chains remain limited and traders are actively seeking direct import channels.

For South Sudanese buyers, the Nairobi show presented an opportunity to establish contacts with international manufacturers, particularly from China, whose products are popular in South Sudanese markets due to affordability and variety. The direct access to suppliers offers a potential reduction in import costs, a key concern for businesses operating in a landlocked economy like South Sudan.

Gao Wei, Managing Director of Afripeak Expo Kenya, underscored the significance of the event during its opening. “Following the great success of our inaugural show in 2024, which received warm participation from exhibitors, buyers, and fashion lovers across the region, we are proud to return this year with a bigger, broader, and even more exciting edition,” he said. His remarks highlighted the inclusive nature of the expo, which aims to link businesses across East Africa, especially those in emerging markets like South Sudan.

Gao also emphasized the cultural role of the event. “This exhibition celebrates cultural creativity. By incorporating design elements that transcend time and space, we demonstrate how diversity can inspire beauty and bring meaningful change to modern lifestyles,” he said.

South Sudanese traders were particularly drawn to the beauty, wigs, and personal care sectors—areas with high demand back home but often dependent on re-exports from neighboring countries. Direct deals at the Nairobi event could lead to smoother supply chains and more competitive pricing for South Sudanese consumers.

The 2025 show also included performances by the Confucius Institute at Moi University, adding a cultural dimension to the trade-focused gathering and reflecting the deepening ties between Africa and Asia.

With its growing reputation, the East Africa Fashion Life Show now plans to expand its reach to other East African countries such as Uganda and Tanzania. For South Sudan, participation in such expos signals a gradual but meaningful effort to strengthen regional trade ties and integrate more fully into East Africa’s consumer goods economy.