The US was the largest market for apparel exports from African nations during January 2022 to June 2022.

Apparel exports to the US in the first half of this year were 22 per cent of their total exports. Spain is the second biggest market for African apparel. Exports to Spain amounted to 20 per cent of total apparel exports from African countries. France is the third largest market for African apparel with a share of 14 per cent. Italy and Germany are the fourth and fifth largest markets for Africa apparel. UK accounted for five percent of African apparel exports, Netherlands two per cent, UAE two per cent, South Africa two per cent and Belgium one per cent. Northern countries of Africa have an edge in the European market due to their proximity to the continent. Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, and Ethiopia are prominent apparel exporting countries in Africa.

Africa hopes to have a thriving apparel manufacturing industry. The continent is poised to take on more production in the midst of global trade wars and rising wages in China. Africa is equated with cheap manufacturing. Some labels, however, are seeing an opportunity that goes beyond mass production. They are working with local artisans, offering community groups a consistent, sustainable income, while showcasing local expertise.