The Garments Economy: An African Perspective

L. B. Louw (), S. Antwerpen () and E. Esterhuyzen ()
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L. B. Louw: University of South Africa (UNISA)
S. Antwerpen: University of South Africa (UNISA)
E. Esterhuyzen: University of South Africa (UNISA)

A chapter in The Garment Economy, 2023, pp 31-49 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract With 11 official languages, South Africa (SA) is in the fortunate position to have a variety of local cultures and a strong influence from the rest of Africa that is evident in the traditional clothing businesses. In terms of economic contribution, the textile and clothing apparel (garment) industry contributes 14% of manufacturing employment and 9% of the national gross domestic product (GDP). This industry is also the second largest source of tax revenue for SA. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are aimed at ending poverty and include specific strategies to reduce inequality and spur economic growth. Due to the nature of the garment industry, it can be used as a tool for upskilling local communities to contribute to poverty eradication in Africa. This is just one example of an African country and the vital role of the garment industry in its economy. This conceptual chapter utilises a semi-systematic literature review, investigating academic, governmental, and private sector publications in order to convey an informed picture of the current state of the garment industry. This chapter investigates the garment industry in Africa, upskill local community for poverty eradication (including SDGs 1 and 8, diversity, cultural differences, and female empowerment), opportunities and challenges of the garment industry, and related industries (including manufacturing, environmental issues, and foreign market access). Due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to stimulate economic growth and empower communities to actively participate in strong economic sectors such as the garment industry.

Keywords: Sustainable development; Sustainable economic growth; African garment industry; poverty alleviation; SDGs; Entrepreneurship; Africa; Women’s entrepreneurship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sptchp:978-3-031-33302-6_3

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-33302-6_3

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