Zambia's former largest textile factory joins hands with China to introduce digital printing and other equipment, and the first batch of equipment has arrived! Digital sublimation ink, the digital industry has truly arrived in Zambia.
Xinhua News Agency, Lusaka, August 28 (Xinhua) -- The Mulungushi Textile Factory in Kabwe, Central Province, Zambia, held a ceremony recently to celebrate the arrival of the first batch of machinery and equipment for resuming production. This marks that the resumption of production of this suspended Chinese-Zambian joint venture textile factory is in sight. Hundreds of people including Zambian government officials, industry representatives, and local people, including Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia, and Mwabasike Nkulukusa, Governor of Central Province of Zambia, attended the event.
It is understood that the textile company ceased operations in 2007 and is a joint venture between Zambia and China, with China holding a 64% stake. More than 80% of the old equipment has been declared obsolete and will be replaced by new equipment that is being transported. The new equipment is packed in 400 containers, and 8 containers have arrived so far.
Mulenga said that the Mulungushi Textile Factory will drive the economic development of Central Province and nearby areas, not only directly create about 500 jobs, but also help revitalize Zambia's cotton industry. The factory also plans to build a solar power station, which will not only ensure its own electricity production, but also transmit surplus electricity to power-deficient areas. Wang Chuanyuan, chairman of the Mulungushi Textile Factory, said that the Mulungushi Textile Factory will comprehensively update old equipment, adopt advanced printing and dyeing technologies in the international market such as digital printing, and use practical actions to implement the "Supporting African Industrialization Initiative" to help improve the living standards of residents in Kabwe. Albert Harwampa, director of the Zambia Development Agency, said that the resumption of production at the Mulungushi Textile Factory is an "important milestone" for the Zambian government and people, and he looks forward to long-term mutually beneficial cooperation between Zambia and China in various fields. Construction of the Mulungushi Textile Factory began in 1978. It was once one of the largest textile companies in Zambia and stopped production in 2007. In September 2023, Zambian President Hichilema paid a state visit to China. The two countries decided to upgrade their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and reached a consensus on reactivating the Mulungushi Textile Mill.
The digital age is coming. Soon digital printing, DTF and UV will be popular in every corner of Africa.