In the 2016/17 National Budget, which was unveiled last week, over 27 per cent of the budget was allocated to key priority sectors, including textile, garments, and leather. A 12 per cent tax increase was imposed on used shoes and clothes as part of a broader effort to promote consumption of locally produced products under the ‘Made in Rwanda’ campaign. This move is a step in the right direction and will give the ‘Made in Rwanda’ drive a new impetus. However, concerns of local makers of clothes and footwear should be prioritized in terms of improving on the quality and quantity of their products. Previously, even with minimal resources enterprising, Rwandans have been making clothes and shoes under different fashion houses. While reacting to the news, proprietors of local fashion houses welcomed the allocation of more funds to boost production of goods locally, but called for a consultative approach on how these funds will be used. They called for more efforts toward skilling of local tailors reckoning it’s the key to the development of textile and leather sectors in the country. This will ensure production of high quality textile, which can also fairly compete with international brands. Indeed, the campaign will succeed if there is an inclusive process in identifying the needs and challenges. The process of identification of needs, planning and implementation should focus on the input of key stakeholders. This will ensure that the resources are well utilised and will create impact in ensuring that the local textile industry grows to meet the market demand to cut on the overreliance of imported second-hand shoes and clothes. Also, more efforts should be put into establishing a powerful textile industry and tailors given the right skills. Schools that specialise in training of tailors, fabric makers, and designers should also be supported.
