ZIMBABWE’S clothing sector remains in the doldrums amid revelations last year it produced about 19 million garments compared to 135 million at its peak in 2000. GAMMA MUDARIKIRI OWN CORRESPONDENT
The latest statistics released by the Zimbabwe Clothing Manufactures’ Association (ZMCA) indicate that the sector produces about 15% of what it produced at its peak about 14 years ago.
ZMCA says the sector last year remained depressed in terms of growth and recovery and produced 18,7 million garments.
This was also blamed on the depressed capacity utilisation which plunged to 50% during the period, down from the 57% achieved in 2012. At least 27 000 jobs have been lost in the clothing and textile industry in the last decade due to economic challenges besetting the sector.
Karina Textiles, David Whitehead Textiles Limited, Merlin, Travan Textiles and National Blankets, which were some of the largest players in the industry, are under judicial management while scores of clothing firms have trimmed jobs as the economy continues to be blighted by unrelenting economic turmoil.
In an effort to address the challenges besetting the sector, ZCMA has lined up two clothing indabas — one in Harare next month and the other in Bulawayo scheduled for September this year which will run under the theme “Made In Zimbabwe”.
These two conferences are expected to be attended by government officials and captains of industry in the clothing sector to map the way forward on improving the operations of the industry.
“In an effort to promote the local manufacturing industry, ZCMA’s focus will be on promoting the purchasing and retailing of locally-manufactured clothing,” said the association in a statement.
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“To extract maximum benefit from the event, ZCMA has elected a multi-format approach, which will include technical forums with specialist presenters, discussion forums with specialist panellists, as well as entertaining fashion shows, and networking opportunities,” added ZCMA.
