Uganda Targets Textile Sector Renewal

Uganda is looking to generate 50,000 new jobs and an additional $650 million in export revenues through a new strategy for the cotton, textiles and apparels sector.

The strategy has been developed in line with the third edition of the National Development Plan, in which the sector is prioritised. It was crafted by the National Planning Authority (NPA) and Msingi East Africa.       

A key focus of the strategy is the development of a sustainable cotton value chain that scales up domestic value addition and creates employment opportunities. It includes plans for improvements in textile related infrastructure and the related policy and business environment in order to attract the required investment in the sector to support large scale commercial cotton production.

Currently Uganda has just two integrated textile and garment plants in operation. Just 10 per cent of lint produced in the country is processed. Government hopes to increase this figures to 75 per cent over time.

The global apparel industry is worth almost $800 billion annually. However, Uganda’s current share of earnings is estimated to stand at just $22 million, as compared with Ethiopia’s $221.5 million and Kenya’s $436.5 million.