The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry in Egypt have collaborated with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to launch the second phase of the Egyptian Cotton Project. Initiated with an aim to enhance sustainability across the cotton value chain, this initiative focuses on environmental, economic, and social advancements.
The project seeks to enhance the cotton industry processes, from cultivation through to textile production, to boost competitiveness amid a fast-changing global market. It also aims to help the sector to adhere to international sustainability standards, thus contributing significantly to Egypt’s economy. Long recognised as a cornerstone of the nation’s textile industry, the Egyptian cotton sector plays a crucial role in economic growth and job creation, impacting everything from raw cotton production to garment manufacturing.
Building on the initial project, running from 2018 to 2021, the project aims to support to cotton farmers and industry stakeholders, with the Egypt Cotton Research Institute as a key partner. It will focus on expanding cotton cultivation in key areas such as Kafr El-Sheikh and Damietta and offer training in both traditional and organic farming techniques.
Introduced in Egypt in 2020, UNIDO’s Better Cotton certification was the first sustainability standard tailored specifically for Egyptian cotton. This certification aligns with global sustainability objectives and now covers 25 per cent of the world’s cotton production. Initially starting with 1,600 farmers, the Better Cotton initiative has since grown to include 13,700 farmers across six governorates, with increasing engagement from the private sector.
According to Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS), the total cotton cultivation area reached 237,700 acre in the fiscal year 2020/2021, with Kafr El-Sheikh contributing 85,500 acre. The demand for Egyptian cotton remains robust, with India identified as the largest importer as of August 2021.
The partnership between Egypt and UNIDO highlights the critical role of sustainable practices in the cotton sector, aiming to boost production, expand exports, and strengthen Egypt’s competitive edge in the global textile industry.
