Global textile importers look to Africa

Cost pressures in mainland China and India as well as compliance challenges in the likes of Bangladesh are fast changing the sourcing landscape for US and European buyers in the textile and garment industry, according to Johann Baard, executive director, Apparel Manufacturers of South Africa (AMSA). “We must recognise that we are involved in a global value chain for which there is continued growing global demand and we are therefore looking at a product and market where there is secure global growth,” he said. “This poses huge potential for Africa’s export market – and now is the time to look at where the opportunities are and how to exploit them and leverage from all of this.” Critical in going forward, however, said Baard, is the role of partnerships between business and government and labour. “It is a key requirement for sustainability and competitiveness,” he said. In this regard several countries on the continent – including Mauritius, Kenya and Ethiopia – are taking the lead. Even small countries such as Lesotho are proving what can be achieved when all the stakeholders work together.