Tanzanian youths trained on tailoring as second hand clothes ban set to take effect soon
The youth in Tanzania are getting trained in tailoring with the government set to implement the East African regional ban on the importation of second hand clothes and shoes by the year 2019.
With the aim of saving the local textile industry in East Africa, regional leaders agreed to ban used clothes imports. Tanzania’s Mister of State in the Prime Minister’s officer in charge of Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled Affairs, Jenista Mhagama, confirmed the Tanzanian government move to train the youth with the looming ban two years ahead reports the East African.
“We’re determined to end the importation of used clothes and shoes by 2018…. We have organised series of training for young Tanzanians so that they are well-equipped with tailoring skills, and who will be employed in the current clothes-making factories and those which are coming in,” Said Jenista, adding that the plans coincide with the East African’s country industrialization plan.
Clothes making factories in Tanzania are ready to train more than 2,000 youth annually, with skills in fashion design, cutting, tailoring and other related skills according to the Minister. Further adding that, the youths will get an opportunity to be employed within the country. Tanzania’s current cotton production will be able to sustain the expected industry growth according to the minister.
According to the report by the East African, It is estimated that East African countries, including Tanzania imported $151 million worth of second-hand clothing last year, most of which were collected by charities and recyclers in Europe and North America.
