Rwanda seeks Chinese investment to develop garment industry

Industry news

Rwanda seeks Chinese investment to develop garment industry

The Rwandan government is planning a joint venture with the Chinese investors to establish a garment factory in the capital Kigali, an official mentioned. Speaking to tailors in Kigali, Minister of Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba, announced that the Kigali garment factory, which to invest US$1.3 million, is expected to open by the end of 2016.

The investment would include procurement of machines to produce different types of apparel. Rwanda wants to develop its own textile industry, cut imports of garments and create jobs through the factory.

Last year, Rwanda imported new and used clothes worth US$ 100 million. Every year, the East African nation is said to spend over US$ 15 million dollars importing second hand clothes. Kanimba said, to reduce the reliance on imported clothing, the government is seeking funds and skills from Chinese investors for the industry. He said the Chinese investors had also offered to train the local tailors.

Rwanda has two textile companies in Kigali, including the Chinese run C&H Garments whose products are exported. C&H Garments has invested in computerised sewing machines and also skilling 400 local workers on the job.