Ethiopian apparel producers to seal $10 million deal with US buyers

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Some four apparel and textile producers are set to wrap up a USD ten million deal with three to four U.S. big-time buyers in a matter of weeks, according to a senior representative of USAID Compete, a USAID initiative which organizes Origin Africa, a yearly textile and apparel trade show in Africa. Maa Garment, AYKA Addis, Addis Garment and Kombolcha Textile are the four local companies that were able to make the deal with U.S. buyers, including Calvin Kline (CK), a big name in the sector in U.S.

While there were 60 exhibitors, many of them Ethiopian, some 26 buyers from the US and a couple from Europe, have participated in Origin Africa event that took place in Ethiopia for the first time this year. The event, which took place this week at the Sheraton Addis and the African Union, was the third Origin Africa, an initiative created to promote Africa’s textile sector to the world.

Ethiopia’s current textile export to the U.S. stands at USD 15 million while this figure is expected to jump to USD 25 million this year, according to the representative.

The idea behind Origin Africa is to capture the spirit, style and innovation of modern Africa.  It will raise awareness about Africa as a sourcing destination and change perceptions about doing business in Africa, targeting a global audience of buyers, business leaders and designers.

Origin Africa 2012-Ethiopia will highlight the creativity and innovation of the African cotton, textile and clothing industries, and raise the profile of the continent as a source of supply of cotton, textile products, fabrics and clothing. This world class event will bring together business leaders and decision makers from 20 countries across Africa, providing opportunities for international buyers to establish contacts with African designers and industry, and to do business.

Source: Ethiopian Reporter