Tunisia is set to host the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in 2026, marking a significant step in the nation's growing influence as an international fashion hub. This event follows the successful BRICS+ Fashion Summit held in Moscow from August 28-30, 2025, which gathered fashion industry leaders from over 60 countries.
Anis Montacer, founder of Tunis Fashion Week, attended the Moscow summit and highlighted Tunisia's potential to showcase a modern and globally relevant North African aesthetic, leveraging its rich textile heritage. The 2026 summit in Tunisia is expected to draw participation from more than 50 countries, including fashion week organizers from Spain, Italy, Greece, and Malta, alongside numerous French and European designers. This participation underscores Tunisia's increasing prominence on the global fashion stage and its commitment to promoting Tunisian culture and artisanal craftsmanship worldwide.
Tunisia's textile industry has demonstrated robust growth, positioning it as a key player in the global supply chain. In 2024, textiles constituted 16% of Tunisia's total industrial exports, valued at 9 billion Tunisian dinars. The sector employs over 150,000 people across more than 1,400 companies. Tunisia is also a significant supplier in the European denim market, ranking as the fourth-largest supplier of denim trousers to the EU in 2021, with an 8.63% market share. The country's potential for further export growth in jeans and workwear could generate an additional €160 million and create over 25,000 jobs.
Tunisia's participation in international events like the BRICS+ Fashion Summit not only enhances its visibility but also fosters new collaborations and cultural exchanges. This aligns with the global trend of increasing recognition and adoption of African aesthetics, including those from North Africa, in contemporary fashion. Tunisia's unique textile heritage, blending traditional and modern elements, makes it an ideal venue for celebrating global fashion in the future.