Business Reporter
A wave of retooling and recapitalization within Bulawayo’s garment manufacturing sector is catalysing economic growth and job creation, aligning with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
Once a thriving hub of textile production, Bulawayo is revitalizing its manufacturing industry, attracting significant investment and attention.
Key industry players have committed substantial resources to modernize their operations, resulting in increased production capacity, improved product quality, and expanded market reach.
In an exclusive interview with this publication Carousel Manufacturing's Managing Director, Menfree Tanyanyiwa expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s progress.
“We are excited by the investment we have made, and we are looking at a value of US$1.2 million by the end of the year. We are automating our operations and will be the first clothing manufacturing company to have a cutting room solution. This will help us use our fabric more efficiently. By modernizing our operations, we are creating a sustainable business that can compete on a global scale,” Tanyanyiwa said.
Archer Clothing’s General Production Manager, Sumit Sharma, highlighted their significant investments.
“We invested over US$250 000 last year, and we plan to invest more by the end of this year. For the export market, we sell 50 percent locally and 50 percent internationally. With AFCTA and SADC intra-trade, we are benefiting from duty-free advantages,” Sharma explained.
Ticoz Manufacturing’s Managing Director, Tafadzwa Zimbudzana, discussed the broader benefits of the sector’s resurgence.
“The investments happening in the manufacturing sector benefit medium enterprises like ours. We can invest in our company, employ more people, and supply locally manufactured products. This has a ripple effect on the community and the economy,” she said.
Economic analyst Stevenson Dlamini highlighted the broader economic implications of the sector’s resurgence.
“By reducing reliance on imports and promoting local production, the industry is helping to strengthen the country’s balance of payments. The creation of employment opportunities, particularly for women, has a positive impact on poverty reduction and social development. The resurgence of clothing retailers such as Edgars Limited Stores has had a positive impact on downstream medium enterprises,” Dlamini noted.
The revival of David Whitehead’s Chegutu and Kadoma factories is also set to provide a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s textile industry.
These efforts contribute to a broader vision of economic self-sufficiency and sustainable growth, aligning with the national development goals of Vision 2030.
