🧵 For decades, global #textile manufacturing has been dominated by Asia which transformed itself into an export powerhouse, employing millions and exporting billions of garments annually. But change is underway. A shift in global supply chains, and a renewed push for #industrialization, are opening doors for #Africa too.
Across the continent, IFC - International Finance Corporation is working to catalyze #Africa’s textiles and apparel industry – blending investment, advisory, early-stage project development, market expertise, and engagement with policymakers to help build this competitive, job-rich #manufacturing sector. So far, IFC’s investments in the sector are expected to support the creation of about 14,000 direct manufacturing #jobs.
For example, in 2023, IFC backed DTRT Apparel Group in Ghana, now West Africa’s largest garment exporter, helping the company create 6,000 jobs--70 percent of them for #women.
In Togo, a $15 million IFC loan to Star Garments is helping to establish the country’s first large-scale, export-focused garmenting manufacturing center, which is expected to create 4,520 jobs, again mostly for women. Meanwhile, in Kenya, IFC is supporting Royal Apparel EPZ Limited to build a factory near #Nairobi that is expected to employ 3,700 people.
Growth potential extends far beyond individual factories. Efforts are also focused on incorporating best practices and improving the investment landscape in Africa.
In 2023, IFC led a knowledge sharing exchange to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, stimulating cross-border business opportunities and knowledge sharing in the textile and apparel sector. Sixteen African textile and garments companies were connected to best-in-class Asian counterparts. In #Madagascar, IFC recently convened textile sector leaders, banks, DFIs and policymakers to discuss the future of the local industry. At the heart of the discussions: how to boost competitiveness, attract investment and integrate renewable energy into textile production.
Partnerships have been central to our approach. In Ghana IFC worked with Gherzi textile organization and development partners to support policy reforms. Working with UNIDO, IFC also helped countries including Benin and Cote d’Ivoire expand their role in the cotton-to-textile value chain, moving beyond cotton production to include more processing and manufacturing services. In Morocco, IFC is working with Accelerating Circularity and industry leaders to build the systems needed for circular production—reducing waste by keeping textiles in use for longer through recycling and sustainable manufacturing.
Textiles and apparel employ millions worldwide. With the right investment and advisory support, Africa could position itself as a serious player in global supply chains – one that creates stable, formal manufacturing jobs at scale and redefines the continent’s role in global manufacturing 👕 🏭
