Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
STRATEGIC partnerships between retailers, manufacturers and the Government are essential to revitalise Zimbabwe’s clothing and textile sector and equip it to compete under the African Continental Free Trade Area, industry leaders have said.
This call for collaboration comes amid a debate on how best to support local industry, with retailers advocating for open markets and investment, while some manufacturers push for stricter import controls.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has identified multi-stakeholder collaboration as the most sustainable path to growth.
In a statement, CZR president Mr Denford Mutashu argued that restrictive policies would be counter-productive.
He directly opposed a proposed import licence regime for fabrics, which he said would “encumber formal trade while giving an unfair advantage to informal traders who smuggle goods and do not contribute to the fiscus.”
“We oppose the proposed import permit intervention as it increases costs, prolongs ordering cycles and undermines competitiveness,” Mr Mutashu said. “Our position is that the solution lies in collaboration, not restrictions.”
Instead, he urged the Government to maintain its focus on improving the ease of doing business by reducing bureaucracy and supporting investment.
Despite significant investments in reviving major textile producers like David Whitehead, the CZR highlighted a persistent shortfall in local manufacturing capacity.
The association estimates that about 98 percent of the fashion fabrics sold in Zimbabwean retail shops—including items like Lycra t-shirts, stretch denim, and poplins—are not produced locally.
To bridge this gap, the CZR recommended reducing import duties on fabrics not yet manufactured in Zimbabwe, providing fiscal incentives to attract both local and foreign direct investment and establishing regular stakeholder forums involving manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers to ensure alignment.
In contrast to the retailers’ stance, some manufacturers advocate for stronger protectionist measures to shield local production.
Mr Keith Gwanzura of Pension Knitwear Pvt Ltd voiced a common industry position.
“I personally think second-hand clothing should be banned to promote local industry. Government must ban the importation of second-hand clothing and put high tax rates on imported clothing.”
Mr Mutashu said with the right strategic partnerships, Zimbabwe’s clothing sector is well-positioned to seize the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and emerge as a significant regional player, thereby contributing to the nation’s Vision 2030 goals.
