EXPORT STRATEGY RISKS AND GOVERNANCE IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY

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Arthur Mapanga ORCID logo, Collins Miruka ORCID logo, Nehemiah Mavetera ORCID logo

https://doi.org/10.22495/rcgv6i3c2art10

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Abstract

This paper investigates the export strategy implementation risks in Zimbabwe’s clothing sector with a view to build a framework for improving strategy implementation and governance. The government of Zimbabwe has formulated a five year export strategic blue-print to resuscitate the clothing value chain. However, to date, no visible movement towards implementing the export strategy has materialised. The sector is on the brink of collapse putting the welfare and livelihood of over two million people dependent on the sector at risk. A desk research and key informant interviews were conducted to understand the barriers causing inertia in the implementation of the export strategy. Cotton farmers’ unions’ representatives, the cotton ginners association members, the spinning industry members and garment manufacturers representatives, clothing retailers’ representatives, workers’ unions’ members and government officials were important sources of information towards the discovery of the risks. From the research, six of the strategy implementation risks were linked to human elements. Leadership, consensus and commitment deficiencies militated against the implementation of the export strategy in the clothing value chain. There is also a lack of trust among the value chain actors leading to the dislocation of efforts to resuscitate the sector.

Keywords: Export Strategy, Value Chain, Upgrading, Clothing Industry, Trust Building, Strategy Implementation

How to cite this paper: Mapanga, A., Miruka, C., & Mavetera, N. (2016). Export strategy risks and governance in the clothing industry. [Special issue]. Risk governance & control: financial markets & institutions, 6(3-2), 75-80. https://doi.org/10.22495/rcgv6i3c2art10