Benin is positioning itself as a new center for sustainable textile production, backed by the Aid by Trade Foundation’s (AbTF) Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative. The project aims to convert locally grown cotton into high-quality textiles for the global market, promoting eco-friendly industry practices in West Africa.

A pivotal step in Benin’s industry growth is the recent construction of a textile production center near Cotonou, where all cotton processed adheres to CmiA verification standards. Since 2005, cotton farming in Benin has met CmiA standards, working alongside three local cotton companies to improve market access and resilience for small-scale producers.

During World Cotton Day in October, an AbTF delegation, joined by partners from GIZ and PAN UK, visited CmiA Organic cotton farms in Aklampa to assess the initiative's impact. This visit highlighted the Growing Benin’s Organic Cotton Sector project, which helps 45,500 people indirectly by supporting small-scale farmers transitioning to organic practices. Funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this project is coordinated by PAN UK, led by OBEPAB, and supported by AbTF and cotton trader Paul Reinhart AG.