Major players from the textile and apparel industry across India, the Middle East, and Africa convened in Nairobi for the ITME Africa & Middle East 2023 summit and expo in a major boost to the textile sector in the country.
ITME Africa & Middle East 2023 focused on the textile technology and engineering sector, providing a unique platform for global business leaders to connect with their counterparts from Kenya and across Africa.
The expor was organised by the India ITME Society, a respected non-profit industry body with roots tracing back to 1980.
Seema Srivastava, the Executive Director of India ITME Society, highlighted the event’s significance, stating that it serves as an open forum for all stakeholders in the textile industry value chain, including manufacturers, exporters, cotton farmers, investors, entrepreneurs, agents, dealers, and distributors seeking to expand their business or diversify into textiles.
Ms Srivastava highlighted the potential of ITME Africa 2023 as a platform for rebooting, reinventing, and rejuvenating the African textile industry with innovative solutions across spinning, weaving, processing, and accessories segments.
She emphasised the exhibition’s focus on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, showcasing top-in-class textile chemicals and finishes.
The event spotlights the latest digital print technology, offering insights for yarn and fabric weavers, fashion designers, textile-integrated plant owners, and processors.
Juma Mukwana, the PS, State Department for Industry in the Ministry of Industry Trade and Investments, and Namgya Khampa, the India High Commissioner to Kenya, graced the event as guests of honour.
ITME Africa & Middle East 2023 serves as a comprehensive platform for attendees to engage with vendors presenting the latest textile production technology, covering machinery, accessories, components, and services for spinning, weaving, processing, digital printing, garmenting, fashion, and fabrics – all under one roof.
The event acted as a gateway for textile technology and engineering, encompassing education, skills development, joint venture investments, and the exploration of new markets.
Approximately 60 exhibitors from India, including industry leaders such as Lakshmi Machine Works, Colorjet India Limited, and Yamuna Machine Works, showcased efficient and high-class textile engineering and technology products.
Additionally, exhibitors from Kenya, Italy, China, Turkey, Egypt, Germany, Austria, Ethiopia, and Taiwan presented their latest solutions and innovations in textile manufacturing.
The country’s textile and apparel industry has experienced substantial growth, bolstered by the US government’s African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
According to a study by the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Kenya recorded monthly exports totaling Kshs 4.5 billion in 2022, making it the second-largest exporter of textile and apparel products to the US among AGOA beneficiaries.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org