At the Textile, Apparel and Leather Investment Forum (TALIF) 2025 held at Serena Hotel Kampala, this month, Stephen Asiimwe, Executive Director of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), issued a clarion call for a complete transformation of Uganda’s textile, apparel, and leather industries.
Speaking to industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, Asiimwe emphasized the urgent need to elevate the quality, branding, and innovation of Ugandan products to meet global standards.
He noted that the textile and apparel is one of the world’s biggest industries, and yet “we’re underperforming”.
“From the clothes we wear to our carpets and curtains, textiles are everywhere. It’s time to redefine our identity through creativity and quality,” he added.
Asiimwe underscored the sector’s immense potential, citing examples from across the continent.
He further cited that the Nigeria’s fashion and textile sector is valued at $4.7 billion, while Uganda’s coffee brings in $1.6 billion, yet the creative potential in our textile industry remains largely untapped.
He highlighted traditional Ugandan attire, such as the Busuuti (Gomesi), Kanzu, and Mushanana, as unique cultural assets that could form the foundation of a robust, identifiable global brand identity.
“If a woman wears a Gomesi in Sydney, it’s instantly identifiable. That’s is out identity,” he added. “We must normalize wearing traditional attire in formal spaces. Identity should not be reserved for special occasions”.
Asiimwe called for a multifaceted strategy involving local production, brand building, technology adoption, and export-focused policy support. He announced that PSFU is championing initiatives such as GROW, a women-centered program supporting female-led businesses, and INVITE, which supports job creation and export-ready enterprises.
Gashegu Muramira, Founder of the African Integration Think Tank (AfITT), echoed Asiimwe’s sentiments. He emphasized the need for systemic reforms to remove policy barriers that hinder industry growth.
“Under the East African Common Market Protocol, we are supposed to have free movement of goods and labor, but bureaucratic requirements like passports still persist amongst other countries,” Muramira said.
He pointed out that while Africa contributes 4% of the global hide and skin output, the continent lacks the infrastructure and processing capacity to benefit from it.
“Exporting raw materials is exporting jobs. We must invest in local value addition,” he added.
Muramira stressed the importance of public-private dialogue, coherent trade policies, and regional collaboration to unlock the full potential of the sector.
Faith Aweko, founder of Reform Africa, spoke about transforming discarded polythene into high-quality, sustainable school bags. Despite global interest, local markets remain hesitant due to lingering stigma around recycled products.
Agnes Kitumba, CEO of Arise Collections Ltd, which manufactures and exports leather goods, lamented the local preference for foreign goods. “It’s easier to sell a $600 imported bag than a $100 locally made one,” she said. “We need to change mindsets and promote local pride.”
Daniel Kazibwe, PSFU Board Member representing the Culture and Creative Arts sector, highlighted poor product finishing and weak branding as major bottlenecks to market competitiveness.
All stakeholders noted that with Uganda’s growing creative industry and a predominantly youthful population, the sector is poised to become a significant driver of employment and economic growth.
According to recent studies, Uganda’s textile sector could generate over 50,000 jobs annually, provided there is investment in the full value chain, from cotton farming to finished garments.
Asiimwe noted that PSFU is now working with universities on sustainable low-cost technologies and has partnered with global organizations like the World Bank, MasterCard Foundation, and the EU to fund research and startups.
“Ugandans are incredibly creative,” said added, “But they need access to finance, exposure, infrastructure, and a supportive policy environment.”
He stressed that startup businesses, like children, must be nurtured. “Give them time to grow before taxing them. Let them build the muscle to compete globally.”
To further the discussions, the TALIF Forum set the stage for two major upcoming events: TALIF Kenya Investment Forum (August 13–15, 2025) and TALIF Connect: Leather and Textile Investment Roundtable to be hosted in Kampala (August 19–20, 2025).
Both events aim to mobilize investments, strengthen regional partnerships, and solidify Africa’s place in the global fashion and textile supply chain.
Karen Uwera, the CEO of Achievaz Ltd and co-organizer of TALIF, concluded: “This forum is about opening doors, connecting local innovation to global markets and turning our cultural identity into economic opportunity.”
