Boosting the manufacturing sector: The Mulungushi textile factory in Zambia reopens.

Written by Nakwe Simbongwe – Our correspondent in Zambia 

The city of Kabwe witnessed ZambiaOn Thursday, April 16, 2026, the Mulungushi Textile Factory reopened in a move described as a significant milestone in the country's efforts to boost manufacturing and diversify the economy, as well as support the market. the job Local and creating new job opportunities.

The opening ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, who stressed in his speech that the reactivation of the factory, which is a strategic project in partnership with the People’s Republic of China, reflects the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries and embodies the common direction towards supporting sustainable economic development.

Restoring production capacity

President Hichilema explained that the factory, which had been out of operation for more than two decades, is being revived today as part of a national program aimed at restoring the productive capacity of the industrial sector in Zambia, noting the need to make the most of its productive capacity in supporting the local economy.

He said: “We want to see this factory operating at full capacity and contributing effectively to the economy, by providing our local needs such as military uniforms, nurses” clothes and school uniforms.”.

The rehabilitation project, which cost approximately $140 million, is expected to provide more than 500 direct job opportunities, in addition to indirect opportunities in supply chains, particularly for the benefit of local cotton farmers who will become the primary source of raw materials used in production, thus contributing to supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing added value internally.

Supporting the private sector

For his part, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Chibuka Mulenga, described the reopening of the factory as the fruit of well-thought-out economic policies led by the current government, stressing that the move towards supporting the private sector and promoting manufacturing represents a fundamental pillar in the growth strategy.

The minister pointed out that the project reflects the government’s commitment to creating an economy based on production and added value, rather than relying solely on exporting raw materials, which contributes to enhancing job opportunities and achieving more sustainable economic growth.

At the conclusion of the event, President Hichilema expressed his appreciation for the relations with China, stressing that this cooperation represents a model for development partnerships that support the path of economic modernization in Zambia.