Kabwe’s historic Mulungushi Textiles Limited (ZCMT) is on the brink of a significant revival, with machine testing almost underway – a process expected to last fewer than 20 days – marking the final phase before full-scale operations resume. This is a signal to the revitalizing of a sophisticated retail network.
Economic Revitalization and Job Creation
The reopening of Mulungushi Textiles is poised to invigorate Zambia’s economy, particularly benefiting the cotton industry. The factory’s revival is anticipated to create approximately 500 direct jobs and numerous indirect employment opportunities, thereby revitalizing the once vibrant town of Kabwe.
The Cotton Board of Zambia has lauded this initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance cotton value addition and improve rural livelihoods. The board’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunduzwayo Banda, highlighted that the textile sector’s revival is crucial for job creation and should be prioritized within Zambia’s manufacturing landscape.
Strategic Partnerships and Modernization
In collaboration with Qingdao Ruichang Industrial Tech Company Limited, the government has embarked on an ambitious plan to modernize Mulungushi Textiles. This partnership encompasses renovating existing structures, constructing new production facilities, and installing state-of-the-art equipment. The first batch of machinery has already arrived, underscoring the project’s momentum.
Boost to the Cotton Industry
The factory’s revival is expected to significantly bolster the domestic cotton industry. By providing a reliable market for cotton farmers, particularly in Central Province, the operationalization of Mulungushi Textiles will stimulate agricultural productivity and contribute to rural development.
Government Initiatives and Economic Diversification
The Zambian government has demonstrated unwavering commitment to economic diversification and industrialization. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane announced incentives to boost the cotton industry as part of the 2024 national budget, reflecting the administration’s dedication to revitalizing the cotton value chain.
A New Era for Mulungushi Textiles
As machine testing progresses, the anticipation for Mulungushi Textiles’ full operational resumption grows. This development symbolizes a pivotal moment in Zambia’s industrial landscape, promising economic growth, job creation, and enhanced livelihoods for countless citizens.
By Adrian Gunduzani
For how long are we going to hear this lyashi.
500 new jobs Wow !!!
Will speak to contacts there in Kabwe
Again??
Why not just let it be completed in silence. We are are indeed fed up with the Mulungushi political story. It remains so until we see it in operation.
That is why we say………
There is no alternative to HH………
How many presidents have we had who could not revive this industry ????
They were all being told by chitenge manufacturers in china that it was not possible to manufacture cotton material in Zambia…….
The HH GRZ said……,
“..,We gonna do it anyway…..”
We are here
FED2031
No alternative to HH no forward we go
Stuck for not having an alternative. More puzzling is that we have not moved any further up. 6th poorest country out of over 200. No forward, no choices on the table. A teeth gnashing dilemma. Meanwhile they still blame PF.
My Zambia
Those poorest countries ranks are not an instantaneous snapshot of present day Zambia,………..
Those figures are taken maybe 3 years ago
FWD2031
But this lone Zambian textile only opens during elections and almost immediately closes thereafter.
Just turn it into something viable, like a multi skilled training facility where CDF sponsored students must flock to. Free education at best. Tired of promises.
It has never opened………
In the past it was used as a speech Center where people would go during elections and claim it is opening……….
This time is for real
We don’t play
FWD2031
This is the umpteenth time that it has opened.
In 2016 The PF lied that they had opened it, this time its real.