The Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) which took place from 3-6 November in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focused on engaging key stakeholders in the textile and apparel sector, where IDH showcased its IN Sustainable Textile and Apparel Parks (INSTEP) programme.
In a panel discussion titled “Trade and Global Competitiveness for the Textile and Apparel Sector in Africa,” Jenny Löfbom, who serves as the IDH country director for Kenya, stressed the significance of African manufacturers highlighting their “unique selling propositions” and sustainability efforts on the global stage through proactive communication.
Löfbom outlined IDH’s commitment to supporting this initiative by convening stakeholders and empowering manufacturers to effectively communicate their sustainability initiatives to a global audience.
Wondwosen Zeleke, Programme Manager at IDH, moderated a panel dedicated to enhancing job prospects within the industry. The panel included representatives from the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Industrial Parks, and manufacturers.
They discussed critical topics such as wages, working conditions, and the vital role played by workers’ cooperatives in shaping improved employment opportunities within the sector.
The discussions during ASFW 2023 focused on driving systemic change towards sustainability, improving working conditions, and fostering sustainable growth within the textile and apparel sector.
IDH unveil the INSTEP programme
The INSTEP programme, launched in the exhibition area by the IDH team, is designed to elevate textile and apparel production by instituting significant and enduring systemic changes within Industrial Parks.
It is reported that the initiative attracted substantial attention and engaged industry professionals positively.
The IDH booth also hosted representatives from IPDC, Hawassa Industrial Park, TAL Apparel Limited, HELA Apparel Holdings, Injo Apparel, and Jeilo Collections, all of which operate in the industrial parks where IDH works in Ethiopia and Kenya.
This collaborative effort emphasised a collective commitment to building a sustainable textile and apparel sector in Africa.
IDH shared it continues to invite organisations for ongoing conversations, potential collaborations, and the initiation of further initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability within the textile and apparel sector.
