Rwanda Development Board – RDB has today signed an agreement with Pink Mango C&D for the establishment of a modern garment factory in Kigali Special Economic zone that will produce garments for both the domestic and export market.

Pink Mango C&D is expected to provide 7,500 jobs to Rwandans by the fifth year and cumulative export earnings of US$20 million over the next five years.

Pink Mango C&D is also expected to build capacity and skills transfer to 500 workers of local garment cooperatives who will also benefit from some of their supply contracts through an outsourcing model.

Speaking after the signing, RDB Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel Hategeka said the investment of Pink Mango C&D will upskill Rwandans giving them access to productive jobs and hence ensuring a better standard of living.

He said the investment will not only enable us to increase our exports but also reduce imports of clothing.

“We have been using fiscal measures to progressively discourage the importation of second-hand clothes because it was hurting the growth of the domestic textile and garment industry. Therefore, we are attaining a double objective by signing this deal,” Hategeka added.

“Pink Mango C&D establishment will support the build up of a garment industry ecosystem attracting other players in dyeing, knitting and weaving as well as accessories suppliers to open up shop in Rwanda hence it is indeed an exciting addition to this growing industry,” he noted.

Gordon Gu, the Director of Pink Mango C&D Garments said, “I am very appreciative of RDB’s investor facilitation and the vision to develop the country and we want to be a part of it. We are glad this business makes economic sense for the country and we will ensure that Rwandans work in good conditions.”

Ms Maryse Gallagher, business partner with Gordon Gu in Pink Mango C&D said, “This is an exciting day to see the conclusion of this investment deal in Rwanda and I thank the Government for the enabling environment and incentives that will make our products competitive in the global market.”

Witt-Gruppe, part of the Otto group, a leading specialist chain in fashion and garments retail trade in Europe, will source products from the new factory.

Jacques Bathiat, the Witt-Gruppe Commercial and Operations Director said that, “One of the main concerns of our group is the conditions in which the products are manufactured, which includes the treatment of workers. I am very impressed with the way Pink Mango C&D treat their workers and how they are going to operate here.”