German-Ethiopian
Textile Business Partnership
is a project cooperation to promote and strengthen the German-Ethiopian textile business partnership. GESAMTMASCHE – the Confederation of the German Knitwear Industry, ETGAMA – the Ethiopian Textile and Garment Manufacturers Association and the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture – MoA jointly implement the project initiatives. It is funded by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and supported by sequa gGmbH.
Fostering ETGAMA’s position and role as a competent business and policy advisor is a priority objective of the partnership. Besides economic and legal consulting, professional technical advice is a crucial issue for member companies.
Offering demand-driven services like sector related consultancy, training, support and information to ETGAMA member companies is a main project focus which is of major relevance to promote businesses. This also includes the development of quality standarts for cotton.
In order to improve international competitiveness, as a pilot scheme, the project aims at establishing a sustainable, transparent and high-quality textile supply chain. On this basis, ETGAMA and its member companies are supported to initiate further projects.
Sustainability is a mission for textile businesses both in Germany and Ethiopia, fuelled by increasing consumer requirements for eco-friendly and socially responsibly made products. The shift in international demand for sustainably produced and renewable materials is a positive challenge for German and Ethiopian textile and fashion companies. Working together on transparent value chains and the fulfilment of internationally recognised standards, GESAMTMASCHE, ETGAMA and the MOA jointly strive to further business relationships and at the same time to improve the production and trade environment.
Founded in 1916, the Confederation of the German Knitting Industry – GESAMTMASCHE – is the leading national trade association representing German producers of knitted fashion, bodywear and knitted fabrics for fashion and technical applications. German knitwear brands are internationally successful and hold a prominent market share in Europe. German knits have always been more than just fashion, they incorporate social trends, technical innovation, new materials and fashion culture. Unique design, the use of superior yarns and state-of-the-art technology form the basis of their international success. About 250 companies belong to the sector, this represents 7.8 billion Euros of exports per year.
The present day Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) was established in 1907 during the reign of emperor Menelik II. During the last successive regimes, some measures have been taken to improve the Agricultural sector. This agricultural policy and strategies are based on the objective realities of the country and its prime objective is to accelerate agricultural production and productivity at all levels. Since the start of the implementation of this timely and effective agricultural policy and strategy, the agricultural sector is influencing the overall economic performances in Ethiopia. There have been achievements so far obtained by implementing the agriculture development led industrialization policy and strategies.
Ethiopian Textile and Garment Manufacturers Association – ETGAMA – is the national association of the textile and garment industry in Ethiopia. Founded in 2008, ETGAMA’s mission is to create a vibrant textile and garment sector, which can play a leading role in the growth and development of the manufacturing industry, by bridging the gap through capacity building, market linkage and policy advocacy. The long-term vision is to see Ethiopia as the textile hub of Africa, a competent front-runner in the global market and committed to sustainable production.
