Research on African textile and garment industries has mainly focused on large-scale, export-oriented, foreign-owned factories, revealing their limited developmental potential for the continent. In contrast, our study concentrates on African enterprises deeply embedded in domestic and regional markets, while also engaging in global exports. We examine the roles of these enterprises in promoting sustainable industrial and societal development locally and across the continent. Our methods include participant observation and interviews with firm managers, workers and suppliers, and with government officials. We also gather documentary and archival materials, mass media news, social media content, and statistics. Our aim is to deliver an academically and societally impactful analysis of the factors and processes crucial for embedding firms in ways that enhance sustainable development on the continent.

2025

2029