Reopening of Mulungushi Textiles after 17 years will spur Zambia’s industrial revival —ZACCI

Government’s plan to reopen Mulungushi Textiles in the first quarter of 2025 represents a step toward economic diversification, reducing the country’s reliance on primary commodities, says Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI).

The reopening of the textile comes after 17 years of closure.

ZACCI Chief Executive Officer, Elvin Nasilele, said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday development would also mitigate vulnerabilities to global price fluctuations.

Nasilele added that this development was a significant milestone for Zambia’s industrial sector and an encouraging step toward revitalizing one of the country’s key economic assets.

“As the apex body representing the private sector and the voice of business in Zambia, ZACCI strongly believes the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles will yield numerous benefits for Kabwe District, Central Province, and the nation as a whole.

“The Chamber anticipates substantial economic gains, including job creation, the stimulation of business opportunities, and the establishment of robust economic linkages across various sectors,” he said.

Nasilele added that the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles aligned with ZACCI’s long-standing advocacy for value addition in Zambia’s industrial landscape.

The Chamber, he said, was optimistic about the positive impact this initiative would have on the entire textile value chain, benefiting farmers, manufacturers, and distributors.

“The integration of out-grower schemes, engaging over 50,000 small-scale farmers in Central Province, is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, uplift rural communities, and contribute to poverty reduction.

“Additionally, Mulungushi Textiles is poised to support Zambia’s foreign exchange earnings by producing export-quality textiles, thereby improving the nation’s balance of payments,” he said.

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