Raw material imports hinder local textile industry

High importation prices of some raw materials used for textile production is hindering local entrepreneurs from penetrating into international markets.

The observation by one of the entrepreneurs in the industry, Mapalo Musopole, was made at the 34^th Malawi International Trade Fair in Blantyre.

Capital FM explored some the textile production pavilions which displayed remarkable works ranging from small hustle bags, handbags and other essential containment units – all made from textiles.

Eye catching as they seemed, Musopole complained that her products lack certain raw materials that can help make her creations attractive to customers.

She said: “I fail to make certain attractive designs because the material that can suit that particular bag is quite expensive and hard to source at times. So, I do with what is locally available.

“Each bag is uniquely designed using certain types of material. However, the deficiency of the necessary raw materials has pushed me to find alternatives which equally match it.”

Each handbag design has a K20,000 price tag, but she believes she could get more profits from her venture if only she could match the exact type of designs available on the international market.

Most locals opt to import online handbag designs because of their sophisticated framing and alignment of materials – a situation which Musopole regrets is impossible at the moment.

Clothing designer, Janet Kandiero, equally shares her plight of inaccessibility of raw materials that are sourced across borders.

Kandiero is a textile designer who designs special events attire including weddings and engagements. She lamented that she cannot breakthrough to external markets and offer her products that can rival the already existing ones.

“These designs are attractive as you can see. Local patronage is there of course but my aim is to export my products,” Kandiero said.

Meanhwile, other women have made strides in textile designing across borders.

Malawi’s Lilly Alfonso is one of the designers who is well known across New York, London, Milan and Cape Town among other countries. She is hoping to see her designs 10 years from now.

“Everywhere where fashion is, I want to be there, and I see myself making it. I’m not doubting on that one. I dream big and I’m dreaming in color,” she told the BBC’s series African Dream.