Textile, leather firms eye bigger AfCFTA market

Textile and leather businesses are increasingly looking toward the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand their markets and operations. The AfCFTA, a landmark agreement aimed at boosting intra-African trade, presents significant opportunities for growth in various sectors, including manufacturing.

Companies are particularly interested in leveraging the AfCFTA's potential to create a unified market across the continent. This initiative seeks to reduce trade barriers, harmonize regulations, and facilitate the movement of goods and services, thereby stimulating economic development and industrialization.

Rwanda, through initiatives like the Kigali Special Economic Zone, is positioning itself as a key player in this continental trade landscape. The zone hosts various manufacturing firms, including those in the textile and garment industries, benefiting from strategic location and supportive infrastructure. These firms are now eyeing the broader AfCFTA market as a next step for expansion.