Local designers to benefit from Made in Rwanda campaign

Rwanda's fashion industry is on the cusp of a revolution, thanks to the government's Made in Rwanda campaign aimed at promoting locally made products and reducing the country's import bill. Candy Basomingera, the co-founder of Haute Baso, recently shared insights on how this campaign is impacting the fashion sector during an interview with CNBC Africa. Basomingera emphasized that the relationship between the Made in Rwanda campaign and the fashion industry is symbiotic, with each entity supporting the growth of the other. She highlighted the government's efforts to support the industry by easing the importation of fabrics and raw materials, a move that is expected to boost local production and value addition. Additionally, Basomingera underscored the importance of setting quality standards to enhance consumer confidence in Rwandan-made products. Despite Rwandans' pride in the Made in Rwanda concept, there is a disconnect when it comes to actual consumption. Basomingera attributed this gap to the need for improved quality and international standards in the fashion industry. Collaborative efforts within the industry are underway to address these challenges and drive forward the sector's growth. Access to finance remains a significant hurdle for budding entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. Basomingera shared her experience of starting with minimal capital and emphasized the importance of demonstrating growth potential to attract investors. However, she acknowledged that high production costs and limited access to external markets pose obstacles to showcasing Rwandan fashion on a global scale. To overcome these barriers, Basomingera highlighted the need for investment in marketing, production capacity, and logistics infrastructure. She also noted successful examples of Rwandan designers gaining recognition in markets like Kenya, exemplifying the potential for growth beyond Rwanda's borders. The trajectory of Rwanda's fashion industry is promising, with collaborative efforts, quality standards, and strategic investments driving its evolution. As the sector continues to gain momentum, stakeholders are hopeful that it will not only contribute to the country's economic development but also establish Rwanda as a hub for African fashion innovation and excellence.