Top 10 Countries Dominating the Textile and Apparel Export Market in Africa

In Summary:

• South Africa and Egypt lead Africa’s textile and apparel exports by scale and industrial depth.
• Morocco, Tunisia, and Ethiopia benefit from proximity to Europe and integrated supply chains.
• AGOA and EU trade agreements continue to drive apparel exports from Kenya and Madagascar.
• Textile exports remain a major source of jobs, foreign exchange, and industrial growth across Africa.

Deep Dive!!

Sunday, 18 January 2026 –In 2025, Africa’s textile and apparel sector continues to strengthen its position within global supply chains, driven by industrial policy reforms, trade preferences, and rising demand for diversified sourcing beyond Asia. Across the continent, several countries have moved beyond raw material exports to build competitive manufacturing ecosystems capable of producing yarn, fabrics, and finished garments for international markets. These developments have made textiles and apparel a critical contributor to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and industrial growth.

This article ranks the top ten African countries dominating the textile and apparel export market in 2025, based on export scale, market reach, industrial capacity, and trade integration. From established leaders such as South Africa and Egypt to fast-growing exporters like Morocco and Ethiopia, the ranking highlights how policy support, infrastructure investment, and proximity to key markets shape Africa’s role in global fashion and textile trade.

10. Tanzania

Tanzania’s textile and apparel exports are rooted in its position as one of Africa’s leading cotton producers. According to FAO and regional trade data, Tanzania consistently ranks among the top cotton producers in East Africa, supplying raw materials to domestic spinning mills. This local cotton availability lowers production costs for yarn and fabric manufacturers and supports early-stage value addition within the country.

Government policies promoting agro-industrialization have strengthened Tanzania’s textile value chain. Initiatives under theNational Industrial Development Policyencourage private investment in ginning, spinning, and weaving, while public-private partnerships aim to modernize outdated facilities. These efforts have improved domestic processing capacity and reduced reliance on imported fabrics.

Although export volumes remain smaller than Africa’s top textile exporters, Tanzania’s textile trade within the East African Community continues to expand. Regional demand from Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda supports steady growth, while new investments in spinning and weaving facilities position the country for gradual export scale-up beyond regional markets.

9. Madagascar

Madagascar remains one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most established apparel exporters, benefiting from preferential access underAGOA and EU trade agreements. Apparel exports consistently account for a significant share of the country’s total exports, with knitwear and woven garments dominating shipments to the United States and Europe.

The sector employs over 200,000 workers, making it one of Madagascar’s largest formal employers and a major source of foreign exchange. Export Processing Zones host numerous foreign-owned factories, primarily supplying international fashion brands with basic and mid-range garments. Competitive labor costs remain a key advantage despite infrastructure constraints.

Political uncertainty and logistics challenges continue to pose risks, yet Madagascar’s export performance has proven resilient. Long-standing supplier relationships, established production capacity, and trade preferences have enabled the country to maintain its position among Africa’s top apparel exporters in 2025.

8. Ghana

Ghana’s textile export profile blends heritage fabrics with growing industrial garment production. Traditional textiles such as kente and wax prints coexist with factory-made apparel aimed at regional and niche international markets. Government industrialization efforts have supported the modernization of textile SMEs and export-oriented producers.

The One District, One Factory initiative has helped establish new textile and apparel ventures, particularly outside major urban centers. These investments have expanded employment opportunities and increased production capacity, especially for uniforms, workwear, and light garments targeting West African markets.

While exports remain concentrated within ECOWAS, Ghana is increasingly positioning itself as a niche exporter of culturally inspired, ethically produced fashion. Trade facilitation reforms and digital export platforms have supported modest but steady growth in textile and apparel exports through 2025.

7. Mauritius

Mauritius has long been a cornerstone of Africa’s textile export industry, particularly in supplying high-quality garments to European markets. The sector specializes in tailored apparel, knitwear, and fashion-forward designs, with exports heavily oriented toward France, the UK, and other EU countries.

Rising labor and operational costs have slowed volume growth, but Mauritius has adapted by focusing on productivity, automation, and higher-value products. Many firms have integrated design, sampling, and logistics services, allowing them to offer complete solutions rather than low-cost mass production.

Textile and apparel exports remain among Mauritius’s top foreign exchange earners. Strong compliance with international labor and environmental standards continues to attract premium buyers, ensuring the country’s relevance in global apparel sourcing despite regional competition.

6. Kenya

Kenya’s apparel exports are driven primarily by AGOA, with the United States absorbing the majority of shipments. Export Processing Zones host large-scale factories producing denim, knitwear, uniforms, and casualwear for major international brands.

Government incentives, duty-free access to the US market, and improved port and transport infrastructure have reinforced Kenya’s export competitiveness. Apparel exports remain one of the country’s largest manufacturing export categories by value, contributing significantly to employment.

In 2025, Kenya continues to rank among Africa’s top apparel exporters by volume. Private sector investment and gradual diversification into regional and EU markets support the sector’s long-term growth outlook beyond AGOA dependence.

5. Ethiopia

Ethiopia has emerged as one of Africa’s most ambitious apparel manufacturing hubs, driven by large-scale industrial parks such as Hawassa, Bole Lemi, and Kombolcha. These parks offer vertically integrated facilities designed to attract global brands seeking cost-competitive production.

Competitive wages, government incentives, and centralized infrastructure underpin export growth. Ethiopia supplies basic garments to European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets, positioning itself as a mass-production alternative to Asian sourcing hubs.

Despite macroeconomic and foreign exchange challenges, Ethiopia remains one of Africa’s fastest-scaling textile exporters in 2025. Continued investment in industrial parks and skills development supports long-term export potential.

4. Tunisia

Tunisia dominates North African textile exports, supplying high-quality garments to European fashion houses. Geographic proximity to Europe enables short lead times, a key advantage for fast-changing fashion cycles.

The country excels in technical textiles, knitwear, and premium apparel, with strong integration into EU supply chains. Tunisia’s firms often operate as Tier-1 suppliers, handling complex production processes and quality-sensitive orders.

Despite economic pressures, Tunisia’s textile sector remains export-focused and resilient in 2025. Ongoing modernization and sustainability initiatives help maintain its competitive edge in European markets.

3. Morocco

Morocco has become a strategic apparel sourcing hub for Europe, supported by efficient ports, modern factories, and extensive free trade agreements. Fast fashion brands rely on Moroccan suppliers for short production cycles and flexible order volumes.

Government-backed industrial zones and innovation hubs support textile and apparel firms across the value chain. Sustainability initiatives, including water-efficient production and renewable energy use, have strengthened Morocco’s appeal to global buyers.

In 2025, Morocco’s textile exports continue to grow, driven by speed, quality, and scalability. Its ability to balance cost efficiency with responsiveness positions it as one of Africa’s most competitive apparel exporters.

2. Egypt

Egypt’s textile export strength rests on its globally recognized long-staple cotton and vertically integrated manufacturing base. The country exports yarn, fabrics, and finished garments to the US, EU, and Middle Eastern markets.

Major investments in textile cities and factory modernization have expanded production capacity and improved efficiency. Integrated supply chains allow Egyptian producers to control quality from raw cotton to finished garments.

In 2025, Egypt remains one of Africa’s largest textile exporters by value. Its combination of raw material advantage, scale, and diversified export destinations sustains its leadership position.

1. South Africa

South Africa leads Africa’s textile and apparel exports in 2025 due to its diversified industrial base and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Exports include apparel, technical textiles, industrial fabrics, and specialized products serving both domestic and regional markets.

Government incentives, localization policies, and strong retail-linked manufacturing support export competitiveness. South African firms benefit from access to Southern African markets and relatively advanced logistics and financial systems.

By combining scale, technology, and market reach, South Africa remains Africa’s top textile export leader. Its ability to produce higher-value textiles alongside apparel gives it a structural advantage over many peers.

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