Coalition Launches Campaign to Curb Africa’s $35bn Textile Trade Deficit

A coalition of African organisations and media groups launched a campaign called "Africa Made It" in Lagos, aiming to reduce the continent's dependence on imported clothing by increasing locally produced garments. The campaign, known as "Power, Protect, and Purchase," targets $34 billion in annual economic gains from the cotton and garment industry.

Currently, Africa loses out on the majority of the profits from its own cotton, with 98% of raw cotton being exported and a mere 2% being retained for local use. This results in a $35 billion trade deficit in textiles for African countries.

To tackle this issue, the coalition suggests allocating $1.8 billion in targeted funding towards the development of local spinning, weaving, and sewing factories. This investment would enhance local garment production, create nearly two million permanent factory jobs, and inject approximately $33 billion into African households annually. Furthermore, reviving the local garment sector would stimulate rural economies by promoting the purchase of local cotton and providing factory wages.

Marie Wilke, the Editor-in-Chief of Africa Made It magazine, emphasized that Africa's global influence in fashion and culture has not translated into economic prosperity. She explained that despite African culture, design, and storytelling significantly impacting global fashion, music, and media, the lack of domestic manufacturing infrastructure limits the continent's ability to reap substantial economic benefits.

Wilke concluded with a call to action, stating that it is time to wear Africa's power by promoting local manufacturing and reaping the economic rewards it offers.