Challenges in Rwanda's fashion industry

The service sector in Rwanda is projected to grow by 6.7% in 2017, with the fashion industry playing a crucial role in driving this growth. The 'Made in Rwanda' campaign has been instrumental in supporting local producers, but challenges still abound, particularly in the realm of product quality and skilled labor. CNBC Africa recently sat down with Matthew Rugamba, the founder of House of Tayo, to delve into the intricacies of Rwanda's fashion industry. Rugamba highlighted the remarkable progress that the sector has made over the past few years, transitioning from importing clothing to local production. With the cost of production steadily decreasing and a growing pool of skilled tailors and artisans, the industry is poised for expansion. Rugamba emphasized the need to scale up operations and establish a stronger presence across different markets, including East Africa, West Africa, South Africa, North America, and Europe. While the 'Made in Rwanda' campaign has laid a solid foundation for local producers, the key challenge remains ensuring high product quality to attract consumers. Rugamba underscored the importance of offering value and quality to customers, emphasizing that people should purchase Rwandan products out of love for the product itself, with the 'Made in Rwanda' label being an added bonus. Investing in training and creating more job opportunities in the fashion industry is essential for its growth. Rugamba stressed the significance of both creating immediate job opportunities through simplified production processes and developing highly skilled labor over time. Balancing the need for immediate job creation with long-term skill development is crucial for sustaining the industry's growth. As Rwanda's innovation landscape evolves, there is a growing focus on corporate laws to safeguard businesses and ensure the protection of intellectual property. The Rwanda Development Board's efforts to enhance intellectual property laws align with the government's commitment to supporting creative industries. Rugamba emphasized the importance of intellectual property protection for artists, highlighting that it enables creators to work without limitations and ensures that their ideas are compensated. Fabric producers are tapping into Rwanda's textile industry's burgeoning market, while fashion designers are tasked with elevating the creative sector. Collaboration among businesses is essential for the industry to thrive, as Rugamba noted the interconnectedness of different business entities in driving overall growth. The growth of the fashion industry in Rwanda is not only beneficial for individual producers like Rugamba but also for fabric manufacturers who stand to gain from economies of scale as the industry expands. The future of Rwanda's fashion industry hinges on overcoming existing challenges, such as product quality and skilled labor shortages, while seizing opportunities for growth and innovation. By fostering a culture of quality, investing in training, and addressing market needs collaboratively, Rwanda's fashion sector is poised to carve a niche on the global stage.