While West Africa is one of the largest producers of cotton, it has the ability to process less than 2% of the crop locally; around 90% is exported to markets in Asia, where value is added through spinning and weaving. The industrialisation of West Africa is therefore essential for the region to fully capitalise on its resources, boost growth and create employment along the value chain.
The creation of industrial zones, textile parks and special economic zones via public-private partnerships – such as the recently inaugurated Plateforme Industrielle d’Adetikopé and its Textile Park in Togo – is creating new opportunities to attract investors and develop the sector, while also pursuing the incorporation of environmental, social and governance principles in textile operations.
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