This year’s Source Africa known as the African Textile, Clothing and Footwear Trade Event to be held in South Africa next month where at least ten local companies will participate. The participation is aimed at exposing local clothing, textile and leather products to regional and international buyers as well to generate export orders, according to ZimTrade, the country’s export promotion body.

Source Africa is the largest trade exhibition in Africa brings together suppliers, buyers, manufacturers and service providers in one major integrated event.

Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (ZCMA) chairperson, Jeremy Youmans said that the show would help Zimbabwean companies penetrate the global market.

Source Africa attracts international buyers from Europe, USA and Asia as well as the region. The local companies participation at this event is to show the world that they still have the capacity to produce quality textile and clothing products that can compete on the global market.

According to ZimTrade, global imports of clothing and textile products grew from $895 billion in 2012 to $987 billion in 2014 and Zimbabwe’s exports of clothing to South Africa have been on an upward trend, having increased by 45,8% from 2012 to 2014.

ZimTrade said that Zimbabwean clothing articles were enjoying preferential treatment into South Africa under the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bilateral Trade Agreement. Companies wishing to utilize this agreement should apply directly to the ministry of Industry and Commerce. Alternatively, they can send their applications through the ZCMA.

The potential business was estimated at $1 million following participation of textile and clothing companies at the Source Africa exhibition last year.

Source Africa 2016 will be held June 8-9, 2016 at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town hosts the headquarters of 19 national chain stores, upwards of 30 mini- and regional chains and many independent textile, clothing and footwear retailers and importers.