Garment and footwear factories to boost Rwanda textile industry
Rwanda is set to boost its local textile market following the signing of a deal between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and two companies to construct a garment and footwear factory in the Kigali Special Economic Zone, KSEZ.
While Albert Supply Rwanda Limited will construct a garment factory, RWANTAN will major in producing belts and shoes.
“I thank investors who are present for being committed towards supporting the government’s long-term program of promoting garment and footwear factories. It’s through this initiative that we will be able to end the importation of second hand clothes,” said Trade minister Francois Kanimba.
Under the policy of promoting local factories in the textile and footwear industry, government allocated KSEZ to investors in order to ease the process of land acquisition and construction of factories.
However, the minister adds that land meant for industries in the SEZ is very expensive.
“One hectare is bought at $535,000. Government, through MINICOM’s 2016-2017 budget, purchased five hectares of land in the SEZ to facilitate investors in the textile and footwear factories,” said Kanimba, adding that the investors will repay in installments for a period of 20 years.
Albert Nsengiyumva, the proprietor of Albert Supply, said that they will commence the construction activities today and that the plant will be operational by end of next year.
Bede Bedetse, the owner of RWANTAN, said that upon completion, his factory will produce high quality shoes and belts similar to those imported from abroad.
Currently, local companies which are in the textile business include UTEXRWA and C&H garments Rwanda.
