Textile Industry in Zimbabwe

▶︎ In Brief:
Zimbabwe’s textile industry is operating far below capacity, with 95% of textiles imported. Despite challenges, government-led initiatives, new investments like AVC’s $18M for David Whitehead Textiles, and support for local cotton farmers aim to revive this historically significant sector.

The textile industry in Zimbabwe has a long history, dating back to the colonial era when the country was a major producer of cotton. Today, the industry is relatively small and faces a number of challenges, including competition from imported goods, high production costs, and a shortage of skilled workers. Around 95% of textiles in Zimbabwe are imports. This means local production is way below expected.

Textile industry in Zimbabwe operating below capacity

The government has identified retooling and recapitalizations of the local textile industry as key for the sector to improve its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product.

The once-flourishing local textile and fashion industry is currently under siege from an influx of imported fabrics and clothing.

However, the launch of the Zimbabwe Fashion Council in Harare in April 2023 saw stakeholders sharing ideas on how to turn around the fortunes of the sector.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr. Honourable Sithembiso Nyoni noted the importance of continued retooling and recapitalization for the sector to reclaim its domestic and international market share.

“Zimbabwe was known for its hand-picked cotton, the production of special Zimbabwean material called lulu, and companies such as Julie Whyte were very much well known nationwide, regionally, and internationally,” she said.

“These companies were contributing to the national cake in a big way. We would like to regain that name.”

Zimbabwe Fashion Council Chairperson, Mr Partson Gatsura noted the need to unlock the full potential of the textile and fashion industry in the entire value chain.

“We must promote the local fashion industry across the entire value chain so it can also contribute to the country’s GDP on a sustainable basis. The vision is that the industry be a catalyst for development,” he said.

The government has already shown its commitment to reviving the local textile industry after entering into an agreement with a diversified business group, Agro-Value Chain (AVC) to accelerate the revitalization of David Whitehead Textiles.

The group has already injected US$18 million that will pave the way for the installation of new equipment, which includes ginning and spinning machines.

Despite these challenges, there are still a number of companies involved in textile production in Zimbabwe. Some of the key players in the industry include:

1. Zimbabwe Spinners and Weavers – This is one of the largest textile manufacturers in the country, producing a range of fabrics and garments using locally grown cotton.

Phone: +263 78 004 0343
Email: info@zimspin.spinweave.co.zw

2. David Whitehead Textiles – This company specializes in the production of denim and other heavy fabrics, and has been in operation since the 1950s. this company reopen again in 2022 with 20 million dollar investment and will produce more than 10 million metres of fabric annually.

3.Jacaranda textiles- Jacaranda Textiles began its journey in 2004 as a fabric manufacturing company, founded and led by a team of experienced entrepreneurs. Over the years, the company expanded its operations significantly, culminating in the establishment of a dedicated production facility in 2015. Today, Jacaranda Textiles is a full-fledged textile organization engaged in the manufacturing, design, production, and distribution of both raw materials and finished textile products.

With a strong ambition to become a market leader both locally and internationally, Jacaranda leverages strategic support from its head office in China and a robust global network of agents, suppliers, and distributors. This collaboration has enabled the company to boost production capacity, implement effective technology transfer, and cultivate a skilled workforce. Jacaranda Textiles is committed to delivering high-quality products at competitive prices, ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a solid reputation within the global textile industry.

Tel: +263 242 748 700
Email: info@jacarandatextiles.co.zw/sales@jacarandatextiles.co.zw
www.jacarandatextiles.co.zw

4.Textile Gallery: Since 1995, Textile Gallery has been dedicated to manufacturing high-quality fabrics using only the finest materials and components. With decades of expertise, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering unique and durable textile solutions tailored to the needs of the furnishing industry.

Over the years, Textile Gallery has expanded its product portfolio to include an extensive range of furnishing fabrics and has invested in a comprehensive in-house printing plant to ensure greater control over quality and design. This vertical integration allows the company to respond quickly to market demands and deliver custom fabric solutions with precision.

Catering to a wide customer base, Textile Gallery offers both cut length and wholesale services, providing access to a broad selection of locally produced and imported fabrics. With a commitment to quality, variety, and customer satisfaction, the company continues to be a trusted name in the textile and home furnishing industry.

Phone: +263 0772 200 277
Email: sales1@textilegallery.co.zw
www.textilegallery.co.zw

5. The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco)

The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) is the largest cotton producing company in the country with an 85% market share. It operates in 8 provinces and has 6 ginneries in Gokwe, Chiredzi, Sanyati, Chinhoyi, Muzarabani, and Kadoma, with a capacity to process 107,000MT of seed cotton per season into lint and ginned seed. The company also owns a delinting plant with a capacity of 50,000MT.

Cottco administers the Presidential Input Scheme, supporting around 400,000 farmers with seed, fertiliser, chemicals, and agronomic services via Agricultural Extension Officers. During the May–July cotton marketing season, Cottco purchases seed cotton from these farmers at prices set by the Agricultural Marketing Authority.

The company exports 70% of lint to Europe, Asia, Far East, and Southern Africa, while 30% is reserved for local use. Ginned seed is used by domestic oil expressers and seed firms.

Beyond production, Cottco is a rural development partner, providing income to farmers, logistics jobs, and support to marginalised communities. It contributes to SDGs by fighting poverty, boosting the rural economy, and investing in social development.

Phone: +263 (0) 242 771981/5
Email: info@cottco.co.zw

Cotton Industry in Zimbabwe

Cotton is an important agricultural commodity in Zimbabwe and is a major cash crop for many smallholder farmers in the country. The cotton industry in Zimbabwe is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, providing employment and income for thousands of people.

Zimbabwe’s cotton industry is characterized by a number of small-scale farmers who grow cotton on small plots of land. The cotton is then sold to cotton ginners, who process the cotton and sell it to textile manufacturers.

The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe is the largest cotton-producing company in the country. It has an 80% market share. The company was privatized in 1994 and was in competition with Cargill at the time. After 2000 other players came and in 2005 when the foreign currency challenges began Chinese companies also joined the cotton industry. At the peak of hyperinflation 2007/8 there were 28 cotton companies in Zimbabwe although they were fly by night companies. The company has revived its relationship with farmers so that they start to grow cotton again.

The response has been positive considering that the Presidential Input Scheme is now in place. The Presidential Input Scheme was first announced by Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa during the 2015 National Budget with the aim to revive cotton production. The inputs package is a direct subsidy to the farmer administered by Cottco. During the 2015/6 season, 10 800 tonnes of cotton was delivered by farmers to Cottco, and for the 2016/7 season 54 000 tonnes was delivered by farmers. The jump represents a 400% growth in cotton production.

National output for 2015/6 was 28 000 tonnes and for the current season, its 70 000 tonnes and Cottco has the major market share in all these statistics. Currently there are about six cotton companies including the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe. The company is buying the cotton at 47 cents per kilogramme and there would be price adjustments of 10 cents for farmers who have graded their cotton. This year the company has encouraged farmers to grade their cotton. The major challenges for cotton production last season were side marketing, low productivity per unit area, diversion of fertilizer to other crops and the heavy rains.

Despite the importance of the cotton industry in Zimbabwe, it has faced a number of challenges in recent years. These include low cotton prices, competition from imported textiles, and a lack of investment in modern farming technologies.

To address these challenges, the Zimbabwean government has launched a number of initiatives to support the cotton industry. These include the introduction of a cotton input subsidy program to support smallholder farmers, as well as measures to promote value addition and processing of cotton in the country.

Overall, the cotton industry in Zimbabwe has significant potential for growth and development, and with the right investment and support, it could continue to provide important economic benefits for the country and its people.

In recent years, the government of Zimbabwe has taken steps to support the textile industry by providing incentives for local textile producers and promoting the use of locally grown cotton. The government has also introduced measures to restrict the importation of second-hand clothing, which has been blamed for undermining the local textile industry.

The textile industry in Zimbabwe still faces significant challenges, and there is a need for further investment and support to help the industry grow and thrive.