Africa’s textile industrialisation will only achieve long-term success if investment extends across the entire cotton-to-clothing value chain, according to a new report released by the International Trade and Research Centre (ITRC’s Africa CTA Centre).
The report urges African countries to move beyond exporting raw cotton and instead develop integrated capabilities in spinning, weaving, fabric processing, dyeing, finishing and apparel manufacturing to unlock greater economic value under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Building a Complete Textile Ecosystem
According to the ITRC, Africa’s strong cotton production has not translated into a competitive textile industry because investment has largely focused on isolated factories rather than creating a connected industrial ecosystem.
The report argues that fragmented investment has limited value addition and reduced the continent’s ability to compete in global textile and apparel markets.
Instead, the blueprint recommends coordinated investment strategies that link every stage of textile production—from raw cotton to finished garments.
Industrial Clusters and Modern Manufacturing
The report highlights the need for the development of integrated textile industrial clusters supported by modern manufacturing technologies and sustainable production practices.
Key recommendations include:
- Expanding spinning, weaving and garment manufacturing capacity
- Investing in modern textile machinery
- Adopting resource-efficient dyeing and finishing technologies
- Strengthening regional transport and logistics infrastructure
- Improving cross-border trade under AfCFTA
- Utilizing the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to simplify regional transactions
These measures, the report says, would help create a more resilient and competitive African textile industry.
AfCFTA Creates New Growth Opportunities
The ITRC believes the implementation of AfCFTA provides a unique opportunity for African countries to strengthen regional textile value chains, increase intra-African trade and reduce dependence on imported textiles and apparel.
By developing an integrated manufacturing ecosystem, African producers can generate higher-value exports, create employment and retain more economic value within the continent.
“The future of Africa’s textile industry will be built by an ecosystem of investments working together to transform African cotton into African industry, African exports and African prosperity,” the report concludes.
