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MilestonesCotton made in Africa
In its short history so far, the Cotton made in Africa initiative has already achieved some important milestones. Within just a few years, an idea was turned into a globally acting, sustainable trade network. In 2007 some 400,000 garments were made from Cotton made in Africa and sold in the market – from there the initiative has grown to 25 times that amount, selling 10,000,000 garments in 2010, thanks to steady growth in its Demand Alliance. For 2011, Cotton made in Africa expects further partnerships in the framework of the Demand Alliance, with substantial growth in global demand again.
2005 – Establishment
The Cotton made in Africa initiative was launched by entrepreneur Dr. Michael Otto, setting up the Aid by Trade Foundation as its organiser. The partners of the initiative included not only government organisations such as the development organisations DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft) and GTZ (Gesellschaft für technische Zusammenarbeit), but also non-governmental organisations such as WWF and Welthungerhilfe, and two private-sector companies. The initiative started its work in Benin, Burkina Faso and Zambia, and began training for 150,000 smallholder farmers.
2008
The number of CmiA garments sold rose to more than two million. Another prominent supporter joined the initiative with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
2009
Demand for Cotton made rose to more than 6 million garments. The initiative expanded into the US; the first American companies joined as a partner. Malawi and Côte d'Ivoire were added as further growing regions. The first external verification was conducted in the three West African countries Benin, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. A literacy programme was launched in Burkina Faso for 5,000 adults in the CmiA growing region.
2010
The first external verification was conducted in the southern African countries Zambia and Malawi. The initiative now had more than 20 demand partners from Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and the US, with sales of more than 10 million garments from Cotton made in Africa. A total of 240,000 smallholder farmers were involved in the initiative (1.2 million people including family members) in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Malawi and Zambia. 90,328 tonnes of Cotton made in Africa were produced on a total area of 316,509 hectares.
Forecast 2011/2012
Growing area: 500,000 ha
Cotton: 160,000 t
Smallholder farmers: 450,000
Garments: more than 15 million
2011
2011 starts with good progress for the Cotton made in Africa initiative. Further cotton companies, Cargill Zambia amongst others, join the initiative. Thus Cotton made in Africa is now working with an increasing number of African smallholder farmers. Further literacy programmes and community projects are being conducted in cooperation with various partners.
Where can I buy CmiA products?Cotton made in Africa Business Partners
