Africa’s textile and garment industry could generate an additional $34bn in annual economic value if the continent increases local processing of its cotton instead of exporting most of the commodity in its raw form.
This is the focus of a new industrial campaign launched by Africa Made It, a continental movement seeking to strengthen African manufacturing and encourage the development of locally owned industries.
The campaign, known as “Power, Protect and Purchase”, was officially launched during the CANEX weekend in Lagos, Nigeria.
It is designed to address the challenges facing Africa’s textile industry by encouraging governments, manufacturers, investors and consumers to support the local production of garments and other cotton-based products.
According to research cited by Africa Practice, the continent exports as much as 98 per cent of its raw cotton overseas, retaining only a small share of the economic value generated from the commodity.
The initiative argues that Africa loses significant industrial opportunities when locally produced cotton is exported without being processed into finished products.
Instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished garments, the campaign wants African countries to develop stronger domestic textile industries capable of handling the entire production process.
This includes spinning cotton into yarn, weaving fabrics and manufacturing finished clothing for local and international markets.
The campaign identifies three major areas that must be addressed to achieve this objective.
The first is access to reliable and affordable energy. Textile manufacturing requires consistent electricity to operate industrial machines and maintain production activities.
High energy costs and unreliable electricity supplies have made it difficult for many African manufacturers to compete with producers in other regions.
The second area is government policy.
The initiative is calling for policies that protect emerging local manufacturers from unfair competition and encourage investment in domestic production facilities.
The third pillar focuses on consumer behaviour, encouraging Africans to purchase clothing and other products manufactured within the continent.
Organisers believe that increased demand for locally made garments could encourage businesses to expand production, employ more workers and invest in modern manufacturing equipment.
The initiative estimates that developing Africa’s cotton-to-garment value chain could support nearly two million permanent industrial jobs.
It also projects that the transformation could inject approximately $33bn into household incomes annually, alongside a potential $34bn contribution to the continent’s gross domestic product.
Women are expected to benefit significantly from the expansion because they currently account for an estimated 70 to 90 per cent of workers in garment factories across the continent.
The campaign also highlights the importance of investment, estimating that approximately $1.8bn in capital allocation would be required to support critical infrastructure and other structural requirements.
For countries such as Nigeria, which have significant agricultural resources and a large consumer market, the initiative could create opportunities to strengthen domestic manufacturing.
Nigeria’s textile industry has faced several challenges over the years, including competition from imported fabrics, high operating costs, inadequate infrastructure and declining industrial capacity.
Expanding local cotton processing could help create stronger connections between farmers, textile manufacturers, fashion businesses and retailers.
It could also provide new opportunities for small businesses involved in garment production and distribution.
However, achieving the projected economic benefits will require more than encouraging consumers to buy African products. Governments and private investors will need to address infrastructure gaps, improve access to finance and support manufacturers with the technology required to compete internationally.
The campaign’s launch therefore places renewed attention on the need for Africa to move beyond exporting raw commodities and develop industries that create more value within the continent.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could strengthen regional trade, expand employment opportunities and improve Africa’s position in the global fashion and textile market.
