Malawi’s garment industrys

Malawi’s garment industrys

Malawi’s textile and garment sector was once robust, with local tailors and factories producing clothing across urban centers like Blantyre and Lilongwe. During the 1980s and early 1990s, small workshops and manufacturers such as Mapeto Ltd and Chirimba Garments catered to domestic demand for everyday wear and industrial uniforms .

However, the liberalization of global trade beginning in the mid-1990s and the influx of cheap second‑hand clothing—known locally as Kaunjika—began undermining the local industry. At its peak, the used‑clothing market was worth around US $1 billion annually, about ten times its 1990 value. It undercut both local tailors and larger factories; tailors note that Chinese-made suits cost only about US $24 compared to roughly US $60 for one made in Malawi .

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Economic Impact & Government Response

The flood of Kaunjika has made clothing affordable for many Malawians, but severely damaged local textile viability. In response, the government has taken steps to revive domestic manufacturing—including restricting imports of second‑hand underwear and proposing wider bans on used clothing sales to create a more level playing field . In parallel, national procurement policies now prioritize “Made in Malawi” clothing for uniforms and public institutions, boosting demand for local producers .

Additionally, initiatives are underway to cluster SMEs in garment production zones—most notably supported by Malawi Chamber of Commerce, COMESA, and MCCCI—to build economies of scale, improve quality control, and help local businesses take on larger orders .

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Export Potential & AGOA

Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Malawi can export textiles and garments to the U.S. tariff-free. However, uptake has been weak, partly due to the absence of domestic fabric production and processing capacity. Manufacturers like Mapeto Ltd. still rely heavily on imported yarns and fabrics . Malawi currently exports negligible volumes—in 2023, garment exports under HS 621010 totaled just 3 kg, valued at about US $40, destined for South Africa .

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Market Size & Growth

Despite these challenges, local demand shows promise. In 2025, the apparel market in Malawi is estimated at US $169.9 million, growing around 3.4% annually, with women’s apparel accounting for roughly US $67.6 million . Meanwhile, men’s T‑shirt sales alone are projected at US $3.76 million in 2025 . Growth is being driven by rising interest in locally-made garments, cultural branding, and sustainability trends.

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Key Players & Infrastructure

Manufacturers are largely clustered in industrial zones across Blantyre—Makata, Limbe, Chirimba, Maselema—where companies like Chirimba Garments, Crown Fashions, and Mapeto DWSM operate . While manufacturing plants produce everything from basic uniforms to denim and casual wear, challenges persist due to limited fabric access, outdated machinery, and skills shortages.

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Challenges Ahead

1. Import competition – Affordable, imported second-hand and Asian‑made garments still dominate the low‑cost segment .

2. Value‑chain gaps – Raw cotton is grown locally, but processing and spinning capacity are limited, forcing dependence on imported fabric .

3. Scale & quality – SMEs struggle with consistency and scaling production; clustering efforts aim to solve this .

4. Export limits – AGOA offers promise, but poor integration and infrastructure hamper export readiness .

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Opportunities & Outlook

Policy momentum: The government is encouraging local sourcing—for instance through bans and procurement rules—and aiming to nurture cotton-to-textile supply chains .

Cluster development: Grouping businesses can improve training, quality control, and bargaining power .

Rising demand: Consumers increasingly appreciate Malawi-made garments which highlight cultural designs and local craftsmanship.

Regional access: AGOA, COMESA trade preferences, and low labour costs offer potential for export-oriented growth.

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Conclusion

Malawi’s garment industry is at a critical juncture. Burdened by decades of cheap imports and structural weaknesses, it faces significant challenges. Yet, government initiatives, SME clustering efforts, and rising domestic demand offer real pathways to growth. To succeed, the industry must strengthen its value chains, improve infrastructure and skills, and scale up quality production. If these hurdles are overcome, Malawi could reclaim a usable share of its clothing market and become a regional exporter in the coming decade.