Benin is rapidly evolving as a textile and clothing hub in West Africa, focusing on sustainable cotton production for the global market. The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), through its Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative, is playing a vital role in fostering this transformation, helping Benin’s cotton producers gain access to international markets.
A significant milestone in Benin’s textile growth is the construction of a textile production center near Cotonou, utilizing 100 per cent CmiA-verified cotton. GerlindBaz, senior project manager at AbTF, highlighted the importance of this development during a recent visit, emphasizing CmiA’s contribution to the region’s sustainable textile production. The CmiA standard, which verifies 30 per cent of Africa's cotton production, operates in 11 sub-Saharan countries and supports around 900,000 small-scale farmers.
In early October, marking World Cotton Day, a delegation from AbTF, alongside representatives from GIZ and PAN UK, visited Benin. The team observed CmiA Organic cotton farms in Aklampa, meeting farmers in the Growing Benin’s Organic Cotton Sector project. Managed by PAN UK and OBEPAB and funded by partners including AbTF and Paul Reinhart AG, the initiative aims to support farmers transitioning to organic cotton, positively impacting approximately 45,500 residents.
The project seeks to bolster Benin’s organic cotton industry, ensuring market access and fostering resilience against climate challenges through sustainable practices.
