Boom time for Ethiopian textile sector

ETHIOPIA: A large domestic market and an increasing number of skilled workers are turning Ethiopia into an investment destination. Some have already dubbed Ethiopia as the 'Bangladesh of Africa' and with good reason. There has been tangible success already, with Chinese, Turkish and European garment manufacturers seeking to expand their operations.

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Under the Growth and Transformation Plan, production of textile and garments, leather products, cement industry, metal and engineering, chemical, pharmaceuticals and agro-processing are priority areas for investment.

As far as textiles and clothing are concerned, spinning, weaving and finishing of textiles from the raw material to the production of garments are there for the taking for investors. The manufacture of knitted and crocheted fabrics, carpets and sportswear are also on offer.

There are ample manufacturing opportunities for prospective investors in tannery and leather products involving fashion items such as handbags, shoes, jackets and leather garments.

According to fibre2fashion, the Ethiopian government has asked the country's Investment Commission to guide prospective investors through every step of the way.