The "Partenariat pour le Coton" initiative, launched in February 2024 following a Memorandum of Understanding between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and FIFA in 2022, has concluded its national consultations. The initiative aims to support C4+ countries in enhancing their cotton value chain.
The consultations built upon a baseline study by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), focusing on implementing recommendations to develop the cotton sector at a national level. These discussions aimed to align national strategies with the broader goals of the initiative.
Participants included experts from both public and private sectors, along with key stakeholders across the cotton value chain. Financial support came from entities like the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), International Labour Organization (ILO), and Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). Technical expertise was provided by UNIDO and Gherzi, who presented findings from the baseline study and advised on steps for transforming national cotton sectors.
Government trade officials emphasized creating an environment conducive to reforms and investments in value-added cotton production. They highlighted enhanced cooperation between public and private sectors as crucial for sustainable development of the industry.
Private sector representatives, especially from financial institutions, confirmed their commitment to supporting value addition in Africa's cotton industry through increased investment in the cotton-to-textile value chain. There was also a call for stronger technical assistance to address capacity gaps identified in previous studies.
Outcomes from each consultation will be compiled into individual country reports, contributing to a regional report intended to attract significant investment into C4+ countries' cotton industries.
Participants praised the successful conclusion of these consultations and stressed maximizing benefits for C4+ countries through this initiative and other international partnerships. The partners will meet again during World Cotton Day 2024, set for October 6-8 in Cotonou, Benin.