Mulungushi Textiles reopens; to create 20,000 jobs

At a ceremony to reopen the textile mill, Zambian president Edgar Lungu said it will lead to creation of more than 20,000 jobs in the next five years. The revival of the industry would also benefit the cotton value chain to increase exports and boost the country's economy, he said.

About 300 people are already employed at Mulungushi and this number is expected to cross 2,000 by 2016 year-end.

An initial $15 million would be mobilised by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and its partners to invest in cutting edge technology at the textile plant. IDC would also implement a cotton outgrower scheme of more than 10,000 farmers in Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Chibombo, Chisamba and Ngabwe districts.

In Zambia, cotton is the second most important crop after maize, and the reopening of the textile factory will resuscitate the cotton industry in the country, Lungu said.

He urged IDC to collaborate with the Cotton Association of Zambia (CAZ), the Cotton Development Trust (CDT) and the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) for quality seed production to be offered in the market.

IDC director general Andrew Chipwende said a technical team has concluded the operation assessment and readiness for a full fledged production at Mulungushi Textiles. He said the plant will manufacture various garments including military and police uniforms. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India