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The textiles, clothing, leather, and footwear sector in South Africa: An opportunity for development?

Author

Listed:
  • Martenique Swanepoel
  • Wouter Bam
  • Karolien De Bruyne

Abstract

South Africa’s textiles, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) industry plays an important role as an employer and is hence supported significantly by the government. In this study, we focus on analyzing growth opportunities within its value chain by identifying which products appear to hold the most potential for supporting the country’s developmental aims. We first determine the optimal product categories by applying the input-output product space approach. Given the importance and potential of the bovine leather industry, we then use a Location Determinant Framework to dive into the prerequisites for a successful further development of this particular sub-sector by means of an in-depth survey targeting 97% of the manufacturers. The majority of the industry states they have benefited immensely from industrial policy interventions. The smaller bovine leather manufacturers believe that with such an incentive made available to them again, they will attain growth similar to what the larger companies experienced.

Suggested Citation

  • Martenique Swanepoel & Wouter Bam & Karolien De Bruyne, 2026. "The textiles, clothing, leather, and footwear sector in South Africa: An opportunity for development?," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(3), pages 277-300, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:43:y:2026:i:3:p:277-300
    DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2026.2634686
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