ZimTrade, the country’s export promotion body, revealed that despite a plethora of challenges faced by its clothing and textile manufacturing industry, the sector has experienced a growth trajectory over the past five years, with exports growing 165% from $3.1 million in 2012 to $8,2 million in 2016. It continues to bring in foreign currency through exports.

Zimbabwe’s major export destination for clothing and textiles was South Africa with a share of 80percent, while the rest of Sadc contributed 16 percent.

According to the Trade Map, the global import bill for clothing and textiles was worth $428 billion in 2015, with the United States, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom being the largest importers.

ZimTrade to capacitate players in the clothing and textile sector, recently conducted the Marketing and Branding for International Competitiveness Training Programme for 12 companies in the sector.

The training was part of its export capacity building initiatives aimed at inculcating an export culture amongst local companies. They also had the opportunity to be coached on how to conduct business using online and social media platforms.

ZimTrade associate trainer, Dennis Choguya, who was one of the facilitators, highlighted the need for product differentiation and niche marketing when pursuing export markets.

According to market surveys conducted by ZimTrade, tourism hubs of Tanzania and Namibia are niche markets for safari wear while Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been identified for growing opportunities in clothing and textiles industry.