The best cotton in Africa is produced by Zambia and therefore, it has the potential to boost the local textile industry. Keeping this in mind the government has started promoting the establishment of textile factories that can create wealth and jobs for the locals since the two existing factories, Sakiza and Kariba, located in Zambia, are insufficient to promote the export of essential goods and services to other countries, points out Miles Sampa, the Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

The government is also considering re-investing in Mulungushi Textiles to revive operations. The move is aimed at growing the textile industry that will reduce on the importation of goods and services. Sampa says the government is concerned with the low contribution of manufacturing industry to the country’s gross domestic product and the formal workforce. He further mentioned that the government would soon produce a list of goods and services that would be banned for import.

Gabriel Namulambe, Mpongwe Member of Parliament said exports would increase, which would in turn stabilise the Kwacha if the textile industry in Zambia is healthy. Mwalimu Simfukwe, Mbala Member of Parliament also said that the country’s economy would benefit from the ban on importation of some goods that can be produced in Zambia. www.mcti.gov.zm