Rome: On World Cotton Day 2025, held at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Africa’s cotton producers and partners showcased how the sector is driving green growth, local value addition, and sustainable trade, powering inclusive industrialization and climate-smart growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to African Press Organization, a collective effort from various organizations, including the International Trade Centre (ITC), FAO, WTO, UNIDO, ICAC, and African governments, has been instrumental in reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthen the cotton-to-clothing value chain from field to fashion. This commitment is particularly vital for the Cotton Four countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali—alongside Niger and Côte d’Ivoire.
Farmers and artisans across Africa’s cotton heartlands are adapting to climate shocks, volatile prices, and shifting global markets. Initiatives such as the EU/OACPS Cotton Project, GTEX/MENATEX, and the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) are helping farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs climb the value chain and build climate resilience. In Tanzania and Zambia, innovative practices like using crop residues to make biochar have improved soil health, boosted yields, and reduced emissions, benefiting thousands of smallholder farmers.
The transformation extends beyond agriculture. In Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali, women artisans and young designers are creating high-value products from African cotton. Through the EFI, local weavers and small fashion businesses are connected to global brands, showcasing sustainable African design at international fairs, which not only raises incomes but also inspires a new generation of African entrepreneurs.
The ITC’s Global Textiles and Clothing (GTEX) programme and UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme further bolster the competitiveness of manufacturers in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, while supporting firms in Ethiopia and Tanzania to expand trade within and beyond Africa. These efforts align with Africa’s ambition to industrialize and generate employment.
Developing an integrated cotton-to-apparel value chain is crucial for Africa’s economic growth. Under the AfCFTA, cotton and textiles have the potential to become one of the continent’s most dynamic industries. By focusing on value addition, regional trade, and sustainability, African countries can retain more value domestically, create jobs, and compete globally. Experts emphasize the importance of reinforcing extra-continental exports to build skills and expertise that can benefit Africa’s internal market.
This vision, championed by ITC and its partners, aims to weave trade with sustainable development, telling a story of empowerment, innovation, and pride. As FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, World Cotton Day 2025 serves as a reminder that cotton is not just a crop—it’s the fabric of Africa’s greener, fairer future.