The Zambian textile and clothing industry is being challenged by cheap imports and is losing large segments on the home market. Nonetheless, the textiles and clothing industry remains a sector of export interest to Zambia where the country could exploit its vast existing potential – if supply-side and international trade restrictions were resolved.

Government of Zambia will be coming up with an aggressive programme next year to assist the growth of textile industry in the country.

Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge said that a road map has so far been agreed upon among members of the committee.

A lot has been done and a lot still remains to be done to revitalize the textile industry, They have spoken and visited a number of textile companies and started talks to agreed on a road map. There will be a lot happening in the textile industry, said Mr Siakalemge in Masaiti recently.

It is a major cotton producer; and the foundations for the industry are in place, including unused capacity that could quickly be brought on stream.

Government is making major strides in the industry following the launch of a cotton ginnery in Mumbwa recently. Minister of Commerce trade and Industry launched the cotton ginnery for 50,000 small scale farmers.

The cotton ginnery will be set up under the Mumbwa Ginning and Pressing Company, which was jointly established by the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), Cotton Association of Zambia and the Mumbwa District Farmers’ Association obtained funds from Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission.

With the opportunities offered by AGOA and the requirements for African produced yarn and fabric, Zambia should be an important supplier for the SADC region’s textile and apparel industries. Since Zambia is a major producer of high-quality cotton lint and transportation costs fall if yarn and fabric are made close to the source of cotton, converting more of Zambia‘s cotton into yarn and fabric within Zambia would cut raw-material costs and improve the competitiveness of the regional clothing industry