What is the status of the Malawian apparel manufacturing industry in terms of its
challenges and prospects as well as examining factors for its improvement? Currently the
apparel manufacturing industry in Malawi is small. It is not clear as to what the
challenges are and what improvements may occur. Even though the industry faces more
challenges, it has potential for growth because of availability of cheap labor that attracts
foreign investors, local production of cotton, a burgeoning textile industry, and an
environment conducive to modern technology adoption at relatively low cost (Kim,
Traore, & Warfield, 2006; Muradzikwa, 2001a; NWGTP, 2009; RATES, 2003). In
addition, Malawi’s participation in several trade agreements, both within and outside
Africa, has created opportunities for the industry to participate in international trade,
thereby opening up more business opportunities for the apparel manufacturing industry in
Malawi