Busitema University Launches BANATEX EA Project to Revolutionize Textile Industry with Banana Fibre

Busitema University has officially launched the BANATEX EA Project, an innovative initiative aimed at transforming banana fibre into sustainable textiles. The project, launched on September 21, 2024, seeks to address the global fibre shortage by upscaling the production and commercialization of banana fibre in East Africa. By converting waste banana stalks into valuable fibre, this initiative aims to bolster Uganda’s textile industry and promote environmentally friendly practices.

The project will leverage Uganda’s status as a leading banana producer, utilizing agricultural waste to create sustainable fashion and other products. This transformation of banana stalks into spinnable fibre offers a circular economy solution, reducing waste and environmental impact. It will help bridge the gap between fibre demand and supply, positioning Uganda as a significant player in the global sustainable textile market.

Hon. Godfrey B. Kabyanga, State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the project’s economic potential at the launch. “This initiative marks a significant milestone in transforming bananas from a cash crop into a valuable resource for economic growth,” he said. Kabyanga also highlighted that the BANATEX project could place East Africa at the forefront of the banana fibre industry, driving regional economic development.

Prof. Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, celebrated the project’s launch as a landmark achievement for both the university and Uganda. “The transformation of banana fibre into textile is a step towards economic independence for the country,” he said, thanking Dr. Edwin Kamalha, the project’s principal investigator, and the supporting partners, including TEXFAD, Moi University, and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.

Dr. Kamalha, proud of the project’s potential, declared that it marks “a new era in the textile industry.” He revealed plans to install equipment at TEXFAD, improve research infrastructure, standardize fibre production through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and develop training programs for farmers on fibre extraction.

The event attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from Moi University, the Presidential Initiative on Banana Development, and the National Textile University in Pakistan, highlighting the collaborative effort driving the project’s success.

This project underscores Uganda’s role in sustainable development, turning agricultural waste into high-value products that contribute to economic growth and environmental conservation.