The textiles industry is a vital part of the Afghan economy, employing about 10% of the workforce. Key products include cotton, wool and silk textiles which are used to produce clothes, carpets and other handicrafts for export. The sector is dominated by small firms with limited technology, though larger mills also exist. With high quality raw materials and skilled artisan traditions, the industry has potential for major expansion through equipment upgrades, design improvements and better trade logistics to access global markets.
Gaps exist in terms of lack of modern machinery, access to reliable electricity, upskilling workers on latest production methods, absence of scale manufacturers and constraints in exporting. Targeted investments in trade infrastructure, vocational training programs, access to affordable capital and a government focus on boosting textile exports could enable substantial growth. Transitioning from small scale to larger firms along with clusters/industrial parks for textiles can significantly benefit output and jobs.
Afghanistan has a long tradition of textile production dating back centuries, utilizing high quality domestic cotton, cashmere and silk. The sector employs around 500,000 people directly and indirectly, with women comprising over 30% of the workforce.
However, outdated machinery, unreliable power supply and lack of modern production techniques constrain output. Firms operate on small-scale with low productivity. Less than 5% of production is exported due to inadequate trade infrastructure and financing support.
Upgrading technology, improving access to electricity through renewable solutions, establishing specialized vocational institutes and textile parks can boost productivity multi-fold. Larger manufacturers with economies of scale can produce for international brands and retailers.
Consulting agencies like RFC offer deep expertise in textiles industry strategy, benchmarking to global standards, efficiency enhancements, and market development across segments from apparel to home furnishings. We facilitate technology transfers, matchmaking to equipment providers, design & product optimization and buyer linkages to expand the sector. Our project management and implementation capabilities can execute large scale workforce training programs, plant expansions, and cluster development initiatives. With strategic planning support from RFC, Afghanistan’s textiles industry can achieve its potential as a global hub.
