Vlisco Group signs MoU with Nigeria to operate across cotton, textile, fashion sector

The Dutch textile and design company, Vlisco Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government. Objective of the memorandum, according to a statement, is to create a platform for significant expansion in Africa’s largest economy.

The Nigerian government had in December 2014, approved a major revitalisation and reform of its Cotton, Textiles and Garment (CTG) sector. This will catalyse growth and jobs in Nigeria across the entire value-chain from cotton to fashion.

The path finding MoU between the Vlisco Group and the Nigerian government, the statement said, details wide-ranging collaboration and support. Vlisco Group intends to offer Nigeria’s consumers its four brands (Woodin, Vlisco, Uniwax and GTP). The Group will participate across the sector value chain from sourcing of cotton, textile printing, wholesale, retail and e-commerce distribution, garment manufacturing and supporting and promoting Nigerian fashion designers.

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The MoU is expected to yield benefits for the Nigerian economy in terms of economic diversification and job creation in line with the government’s Industrial Revolution strategy. Vlisco Group’s activities are expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs in Nigeria in the medium term.

Olusegun Aganga, minister of industry, trade and investment, said in the statement: “The government of Nigeria is delighted to welcome this investment and partnership from the Vlisco Group into Nigeria. We are determined to rebuild this historically important sector with its job creation impact across the entire value chain from cotton fields to fashion. We are looking forward to implementing this strategic partnership with the Vlisco Group.”

Hans Ouwendijk, CEO of Vlisco Group, said: “We commend the Nigerian government for its focus on revitalising this critical sector. The new policy enables the Vlisco Group to invest in Nigeria and to contribute to the building of a vibrant CTG sector. Nigeria is Africa’s largest consumer market and the opportunity to fully deploy our brands and business models in Nigeria provides a major boost to our growth ambition.