It’s interesting how two African land-locked countries are emerging as the continent’s leading destination for Asian apparel makers looking to offshore, or “delocalize” their China manufacturing operations. Both Ethiopia and Rwanda are emerging as the leaders in this sector despite the fact that transportation logistics in each country presents significant challenges for textile producers.

The industry publication Just Style reported today that a Hong Kong-based apparel maker, C&D Products Group, chose to build a second factory in Rwanda rather than Ethiopia or elsewhere in Africa largely due to the favorable regulatory environment there.