Kenya's textile sector is finding it tough to attract investors. Among the problems are the high cost of power and labor, political insecurity and huge gaps within intermediate sectors of the cotton value chain. Ginners and spinners make use of obsolete technology and equipment. As a corrective measure, the African Cotton and Textile Industries Federation will organize a farm-to-fashion value chain campaign called Origin Africa from November 10 to 12, 2014. The two-day expo will try to advance the image of Africa as a place to do business in.
The event aims to make the continent more visible as a source of supply of cotton, textile products and fabrics for international buyers. This edition aims to make Kenya, where cotton is mainly grown by small scale farmers into a number one sourcing destination for textile and apparels. Players in the industry now want farmers in the continent to take on to value addition so as to increase farmers’ earnings, and also provide jobs for the 11 million unemployed youth in the country.
Origin Africa is dedicated to improving the African cotton, textile and apparel trade. It involves collaboration with producers across the cotton value chain from farm to fashion including accessories suppliers, home textile and décor to develop, guide and promote African trade.
www.originafrica.org/
