Designers From Botswana

Abigail Resego  and Iren Sebela are two energetic ladies from Botswana. Both are designs and a very passionate about the Apparel industry; they were both visitors to Stitch & Tex and we had the pleasure to have this quick interview with them.

What is your feedback of STITCH & Tex exhibition and did you form a picture about the textile industry in Egypt?

Stitch and Tex exhibition was a great and wonderful exhibition which had resources a person in fashion business has never thought of. There were more advanced sewing machines and fast to use when it comes to mass production. The exhibition was well organized and the exhibitors were very welcoming and professional. They were good in presenting their products to visitors. Textile industry in Egypt is well advanced and Egyptians support their own local industry very well. They take the industry seriously and we believe that they are one of the best in Africa and in the world

Would you consider in the future investment in the textile industry in Egypt?

Yes, most definitely, the Egyptian textile industry is well advanced and it will be a great opportunity to invest in it.

Do you think of importing raw materials from Egypt in the future?

Yes, we are thinking of importing raw materials from Egypt. We took contacts of some Egyptian companies which we would love to import from.

How do you see the effect of COVID-19 on the textile industry in Africa?

It has seriously affected the textile industry in Africa since people has to keep distance and stay home. This means that there are no workers in factories; so production is slow, which has also affected suppliers and also customers. In other words, COVID-19 has seriously affected the business trade cycle in textile industry.

Why do you think there is not enough trade between African countries and how that could be improved in the future?

We think the reason it’s because we have focused our attention in countries outside our continent and think they are the best while we are capable of doing products for ourselves and buying from within ourselves. We have belittled our own capability and priorities. The other thing is lack of knowledge concerning the resources our countries can offer each other.

Would you consider participating in the next edition of the exhibition?

Yes, we will love to participate.

What are the positives and the negatives that you would like to highlight about your visit to the exhibition?

The exhibitors were very welcoming and friendly; they know how to sell their products to potential customers.  They represented themselves well.  Everything was well organized and well informed. The only negative point could be with the communication, as it was a challenge as most did not know English very well.