In the lead up to the Manufacturing Indaba taking place this month, a recent industry engagement brought together stakeholders from across the textile and clothing value chain to explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Key focus areas included expanding intra African trade, increasing investment in local manufacturing, and supporting small businesses to scale and compete in regional and global markets.
Representing FNB at the event, Asheen Magjee, Provincial Head for KZN highlighted the role financial institutions can play in helping businesses tap into regional and continental markets.
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Key opportunities highlighted:
African Trade through AfCFTA: Entrepreneurs were urged to focus on African markets as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens access to over 1.3 billion people. Local businesses were encouraged to align their production models with regional demand and logistics networks.
Government Investment and Policy Support: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)’s Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Masterplan targets increased local procurement—up from 45% to 65%—and aims to create over 330,000 jobs within a decade. To date, R2.28 billion has been invested in 154 businesses, supporting nearly 24,000 jobs.
Access to Global Markets: Fatima Amara of Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN) shared insights on international trade opportunities available through the DTIC’s pavilion programme, which offers partial financial support for qualifying exporters to exhibit at international trade shows.
“Businesses should prepare early and partner with us to access global platforms. These trips are not just about exposure they’re about unlocking deals and connecting with serious buyers,” said Amara.
Skills Development and Collaboration: Speakers highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to build manufacturing capacity, improve technical training, and promote ethical production practices.
Strategic Support: From helping clients navigate cross-border payments to providing growth capital and trade advisory services, FNB reaffirmed its commitment to the sector’s growth.
“We understand the pressures local manufacturers face such as rising costs, logistics challenges, and global competition. That’s why we tailor our support to help businesses scale sustainably and access new markets,” added Magjee.
The event also featured perspectives from Pavlo Phitidis, who stressed the need for a regional focus: “Africa presents real demand. Southern Africa alone represents a market of up to 300 million people who need quality textiles. That’s where the next growth frontier lies.”
The Durban Chamber of Commerce’s Zanele Khomo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of partnerships and forums that help entrepreneurs access export markets and navigate regulatory challenges
