ZAMBIA HOSTS MALAWI AND ZIMBABWEAN WOMEN COTTON FARMERS FOR A WEAVERS TRAINING

The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development has underscored the textile industry’s pivotal role in Zambia’s economic diversification and industrialization strategy, as articulated in the 8th National Development Plan.

Speaking at the graduation of participants for regional weaving training initiative aimed at empowering weavers from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi by HATTAZ, the Permanent Secretary Subeta Mutelo highlighted the government’s commitment to the manufacturing sector, with a particular emphasis on textiles, due to its significant potential for growth and job creation. “The textile industry plays a key role towards Zambia’s economic diversification and industrialization agenda.”

The objectives of the training initiative were to enhance the weaving skills of artisans from Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, and to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster collaboration among weavers from these three countries.

The ceremony celebrated 34 participants from Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, who have been equipped with advanced weaving skills. These participants are now capable of producing high-quality products with contemporary designs, thanks to the training program implemented by the Handloom Textiles Technologies Association of Zambia (HATTAZ) and supported by the International Trade Centre and We Effect Zambia under the Women Economic Empowerment in the Cotton Value Chain Project. The training program not only enhances the skillset of local artisans but also aims to foster regional collaboration. We Effect Country Director Albert Mutasa emphasized the importance of this initiative. “The programme is critical to enhance and facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among the three participating countries,” he said.

However, Mr. Mutasa expressed concern over the slow growth of Zambia’s cotton industry and appealed for government intervention. “The slow growth of the cotton industry is worrisome. We urge the government to implement positive policies that will mitigate these gaps,” he added.

The Ministry’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute significantly to job creation. The recently launched MSMEs policy includes deliberate measures to support this objective. “To achieve our goals, we have placed a deliberate focus on manufacturing, specifically the textile sector,” Ms. Mutelo reiterated.

This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment of regional partners to harness the power of skilled craftsmanship as a driver for economic growth and sustainable development.

From the training, all roads led to the 96^th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show where HATTAZ with Cotton Board of Zambia showcased the amazing cotton artifacts and fabrics designed by the trained participants from the three countries.