Your Bridge to the Final Frontier of Apparel Sourcing

By 2050, one in four humans — equivalent to a quarter of the world’s population and one-third of the working-age population will reside in Africa. Africa stands out as the youngest continent globally, with 60% of its population under the age of 25.

Positioned as the last and largest emerging market, Africa presents substantial opportunities in supply chain and consumer prospects, reminiscent of the opportunities Southeast Asia offered 30 years ago. In an era when many retailers and brands seek to diversify their supply chains and decrease reliance on China, Africa emerges as the next and final frontier for apparel sourcing.

For more than 20 years, The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been the linchpin of the economic relationship between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. This program grants tariff-free access to the U.S. market for exports of most products from eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa—currently numbering 35. Eligibility is contingent on favorable annual reviews covering a country's trade and investment policy, governance, worker rights, human rights, and other conditions.

Growing up in New Zealand during the 1970s, I vividly recall watching our two-channel black & white TV and witnessing news reports on the devastation and helplessness in Africa, particularly Ethiopia. Africa was often portrayed through images of starving children with swollen bellies and flies crawling out of their mouths. While my family encouraged my brothers and me to donate our pocket money to the children of Africa, it was evident that our contributions were never sufficient to make a significant impact.

Today, however, there is an opportunity to make a more meaningful difference. By fostering trade on the continent, we can create real, high-quality jobs that bring significant economic uplift to workers—primarily young women and their families.

With 35 years of experience in apparel sourcing and manufacturing for global brands, I have not encountered such potential in an untapped sourcing market. Without a doubt, investing in this market will yield exceptional results and create a competitive advantage for brands and retailers. BridgeSource Africa is your link to accessing world class, vertically integrated suppliers.

Sincerely,

Gregory Poole

Chief Executive Officer, BridgeSource Africa