Zambai, currently has only two factories operating by the names of Sakiza and Kariba but these are not enough to promote the export of essential goods and services to other countries. Zambia has the potential to grow the textile industry because it has the best cotton in Africa thus government has started promoting the establishment of textile factories that can create wealth and jobs for the locals, said the DEPUTY Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Miles Sampa.

Sampa further added that the government is also considering to soon re-invest in Mulungushi Textiles to revive its operations. The move is aimed at growing the textile industry that will reduce on the importation of goods and services.

The investors who expressed interest to take over the operations of the company did not qualify. He said that the government is concerned with the low contribution of the manufacturing industry to the country’s gross domestic product and the formal workforce.

Mr Sampa also reaffirmed government’s commitment to dialogue with all key stakeholders in addressing the various challenges affecting the growth of the manufacturing industry in the country.

Mr. Sampa was speaking in Parliament in response to Mpongwe Member of Parliament, Gabriel Namulambe during the questions for oral and answer session.

He also said that the government will soon produce a list of goods and services that will be banned for import.

Mr. Namulambe said that a robust textile industry in Zambia will help increase exports which will in turn stabilize the Kwacha.

Meanwhile Mbala Member of Parliament, Mwalimu Simfukwe said that the ban on importation of some goods that can be produced in Zambia will be good for the country’s economy. It is a global practice to protect local industries.

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) between September 2011 and June 2015 collected 1.04 percent revenue from the textile factories and 0.56 percent from imported second-hand clothes between September 2011 and June 2015.