In summary
- South Africa and Egypt lead Africa’s textile and apparel exports by scale, industrial depth and diversification.
- Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia benefit from proximity to Europe and increasingly integrated supply chains.
- Trade preferences such as AGOA and EU agreements continue to underpin exports from Kenya and Madagascar.
- The textile and apparel sector remains a critical source of jobs, foreign exchange and industrial growth across the continent.
Deep dive
In 2025, Africa’s textile and apparel industry continued to consolidate its place in global supply chains, supported by industrial policy reforms, preferential trade access and growing demand for diversified sourcing beyond Asia. Several African countries have moved decisively beyond exporting raw cotton, building competitive ecosystems capable of producing yarn, fabrics and finished garments for international markets.
Below is a ranking of the top 10 African countries dominating textile and apparel exports in 2025, based on export scale, market reach, industrial capacity and trade integration.
10. Tanzania
Tanzania’s textile export base is anchored in its status as one of East Africa’s leading cotton producers. Abundant local cotton supplies support domestic spinning and early-stage value addition, helping reduce reliance on imported inputs.
Government-led agro-industrialisation policies have encouraged investment in ginning, spinning and weaving, while public-private partnerships are gradually modernising legacy facilities. Although export volumes remain modest compared with continental leaders, intra-regional trade within the East African Community continues to expand, positioning Tanzania for steady long-term growth.
9. Madagascar
Madagascar remains one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most established apparel exporters, supported by preferential access under AGOA and EU trade agreements. Apparel exports account for a significant share of national export earnings, with knitwear and woven garments dominating shipments to the US and Europe.
The sector employs more than 200,000 workers and is a cornerstone of formal employment. Despite political and logistical challenges, Madagascar’s long-standing supplier relationships and established export processing zones have helped sustain its competitive position.
8. Ghana
Ghana’s textile export profile blends traditional fabrics with growing industrial garment production. Heritage textiles such as kente and wax prints coexist with factory-made apparel targeting regional and niche international markets.
Government initiatives, including the One District, One Factory programme, have expanded textile and apparel manufacturing beyond major cities. While exports remain concentrated within West Africa, Ghana is increasingly positioning itself as a niche exporter of culturally inspired and ethically produced fashion.
7. Mauritius
Mauritius has long been a pillar of Africa’s textile export industry, specialising in high-quality garments for European markets. While rising labour and operating costs have slowed volume growth, manufacturers have adapted by shifting toward higher-value products, automation and integrated services.
Strong compliance with international labour and environmental standards continues to attract premium buyers, keeping textiles among Mauritius’s top foreign exchange earners despite intensifying regional competition.
6. Kenya
Kenya’s apparel exports are heavily driven by AGOA, with the US remaining its largest market. Export Processing Zones host large-scale factories producing denim, knitwear and uniforms for major global brands.
Improved logistics, government incentives and duty-free market access underpin Kenya’s competitiveness. While diversification efforts are ongoing, apparel remains one of the country’s most important manufacturing export sectors by value and employment.
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia has emerged as one of Africa’s most ambitious apparel manufacturing hubs, anchored by large industrial parks such as Hawassa, Bole Lemi and Kombolcha. These facilities offer vertically integrated infrastructure designed to attract global brands.
Competitive wages and strong government support have fuelled rapid export growth. Despite macroeconomic and foreign exchange pressures, Ethiopia remains one of Africa’s fastest-scaling textile exporters in 2025.
4. Tunisia
Tunisia dominates North African textile exports, supplying high-quality garments to European fashion houses. Its proximity to Europe enables short lead times, a key advantage in fast-fashion and premium segments.
The country specialises in technical textiles, knitwear and value-added apparel, often operating as Tier-1 suppliers within EU supply chains. Continued modernisation and sustainability investments have helped preserve competitiveness.
3. Morocco
Morocco has established itself as a strategic apparel sourcing hub for Europe, supported by efficient ports, modern factories and extensive free trade agreements. Fast-fashion brands rely on Moroccan suppliers for speed, flexibility and reliability.
Government-backed industrial zones and sustainability initiatives—such as water-efficient production and renewable energy use—have further strengthened Morocco’s appeal. Export growth remained strong in 2025.
2. Egypt
Egypt’s textile export strength is built on its globally recognised long-staple cotton and vertically integrated manufacturing base. The country exports yarn, fabrics and finished garments to Europe, the US and the Middle East.
Major investments in textile cities and factory modernisation have boosted capacity and efficiency. In 2025, Egypt remained one of Africa’s largest textile exporters by value, supported by scale and raw material advantage.
1. South Africa
South Africa leads Africa’s textile and apparel exports in 2025, underpinned by a diversified industrial base and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Exports range from apparel to technical textiles and industrial fabrics.
Government incentives, localisation policies and strong retail-linked manufacturing networks support competitiveness. By combining scale, technology and market reach, South Africa retains a structural advantage over most peers.
Outlook
As global brands seek resilient and diversified supply chains, Africa’s textile and apparel sector is poised for continued expansion. Countries that combine policy certainty, infrastructure investment and trade integration are likely to deepen their dominance—cementing textiles as a cornerstone of Africa’s industrial future.