Today, Africa is a hotbed for apparel sourcing, with big-name brands creating their products in the region. In 2010 when SanMar first started sourcing from the continent, we were early apparel pioneers. Over the last six years we’ve remained a strong supporter of making a difference to the people in Africa by working with companies that have developed state-of-the-art facilities in four countries, training locals new skills and empowering women to support themselves and their families.
As a part of our commitment to responsible sourcing in Africa, SanMar pushed for a 10-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to make it easier for companies to continue sourcing apparel from the continent. We’re standing out in this evolving economy and others want to follow SanMar’s lead. Jeremy Lott, president of SanMar, recently addressed an audience at the MAGIC apparel, footwear, accessories and manufacturing show in Las Vegas, participating in the panel presentation “Africa on the Verge.”
Moderated by Nate Herman, vice president of international trade for the American Apparel and Footwear Association, the panel included representatives from PVH Corporation (the owner of such brands as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and IZOD), Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Industrialization and Enterprise of Kenya.
Jeremy spoke about the explosive growth SanMar has seen in Africa, noting that one of our first factories there started with 30 employees. Today that same factory employs 2,500 people. He also shared that we’ll expand to Kenya this year, using our past African growth success stories as the footprint for entering a new country.
“We’re seeing continued investment with factories investing in people, training and equipment,” said Jeremy during the presentation. “We believe that investment will continue and look to grow our business in AGOA countries over the next few years.”
Of course, no story of global expansion is without challenges and Africa presents a unique set of obstacles. In many areas, we’re building apparel manufacturing facilities from the ground up, teaching brand new skills to people with an agricultural background. While cost is always a priority, today’s business and social climate requires that organizations operate in an ethical, responsible and environmental way. We take pride in doing just that.
“We have a responsibility to the brands who put their logos on our shirts to make sure that everything is made in a responsible way,” said Jeremy.
Our story in Africa continues to be one of growth, opportunity and evolution – both for SanMar and for the thousands of people who create our products in Africa. We’re proud to be an apparel pioneer in the region and value the chance to continue making a difference.