Focus on Africa at industry showcase in Cape Town next week

Next week will see apparel industry leaders from around the world gather in Cape Town for the first exclusively African sourcing event - Source Africa.

The South African Minister for Trade & Industry, Honourable Dr Rob Davies, will open the event on Tuesday 9 April, and his attendance is expected to help focus attention on the clothing, textile and footwear sector, which with support from government - particularly the incentive and competitiveness programme launched in 2010 - has begun to see growth.

Johann Baard, from Apparel Manufacturers South Africa (AMSA) will be introducing Minister Rob Davies at the opening plenary and is an enthusiastic supporter of the event. Earlier this year Baard spoke about the significant window of opportunity for South Africa's clothing manufacturing industry, as China faces global pressures particularly wage costs.

Steve Lamar, Executive Vice President of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) - the US trade association representing apparel, footwear and their suppliers in the global market - will be travelling from Washington DC to Cape Town to attend the event. Lamar will be addressing delegates at the Business Seminars taking place on Tuesday 9 April and Friday 12 April.

"For many in the US apparel and footwear industry, Africa remains a viable option for new and emerging sourcing opportunities," says Lamar. "AAFA is pleased to be involved with Source Africa as we begin a comprehensive discussion about operational best practices and opportunities for growth to benefit both the US and African textile, apparel, and footwear industries."

Source Africa is hosting over 170 manufacturers, service providers and suppliers from 19 countries including Benin, Botswana, Mauritius, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sweden, Spain, South Africa, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, USA, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

The Mauritian delegation will be led by Honourable Cader Sayed-Hossen, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection, to promote Mauritius as a sourcing destination for fashion and apparel in Africa. The Honourable Minister will also participate in an ACTIF power breakfast to promote Africa as a competitive sourcing destination.

Source Africa is being supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is committed to strengthening trade and investment in Africa.

www.sourceafrica.co.za