In 2004, Madagascar was also the second largest sub-Saharan African exporter of clothing to the European Union (US$196m), surpassed only by Mauritius (US$635.7m). But Madagascar's nascent clothing industry was dealt another blow after a coup in 2009 and the overthrow of the country's democratically elected president led the US to remove its AGOA beneficiary status the following year. The move again saw many overseas investors close their factories – and garment exports plummeted. From being the second-largest clothing exporter under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2009, Malagasy apparel exports to the US plunged from almost $280m to just $40m in 2011 – falling further to US$17m in 2014. (..) The reinstatement of AGOA eligibility in June 2014 had an immediate effect on Malagasy garment exports to the US. The value of its apparel exports to the US surged 162% year-on-year to $48.98m in 2015, and so far in the first nine months of 2016 has reached almost double this amount at $90.16m... Despite the country's many advantages including very competitive labour costs - wages in Madagascar are US$65 per month, compared with Kenya (US$100), Ethiopia (US$50) and Mauritius (US$165) - workers with better than average dexterity, privileged market access, and substantial transfer of capital, technology and market knowhow from nearby Mauritius, Madagascar is not an easy option for garment manufacturers. Most fabrics have to be imported, electricity supply is problematic and the road infrastructure is poor. Exporters also complain about delays at the port of Toamasina, too many administrative procedures, corruption and a weak judicial system. Though the overall cost of doing business in Madagascar is high ...
Randria Maeva dans Madagascar Tribune
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