The Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA) initiative has joined the steering committee of the Partnership for Cotton, a new multilateral initiative aimed at promoting sustainable cotton production in Africa. The partnership, founded by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and FIFA, brings together key stakeholders in the cotton industry to support economic development in cotton-producing countries.

Tina Stridde, managing director of the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. She said that CmiA, which AbTF oversees, is thrilled to contribute its expertise to this important initiative. CmiA has a long history of working with small-scale farmers in Africa to promote sustainable cotton production. By joining forces with the Partnership for Cotton, CmiA hopes to help create a more equitable and sustainable value chain for African cotton.

The Partnership for Cotton focuses on West Africa's "Cotton 4" countries (Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Benin) and Côte d'Ivoire. The initiative aims to increase business activity in the processing stages of cotton production, creating new opportunities for local economies. CmiA, with its experience in these countries, will play a crucial role in supporting this goal.

The steering committee of the Partnership for Cotton met in Cotonou, Benin, from June 4-6 to discuss progress and next steps. Members visited an industrial estate where African cotton is processed into textiles, highlighting the potential for growth in the sector.

The partnership's collaboration with CmiA is a significant step towards realizing its vision of a sustainable and prosperous cotton industry in Africa. By working together, these organizations can help to improve the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers and promote economic development in the region.