US, African Countries Launch Textile Partnership To Build Cotton-To-Garment Trade
The US and African countries have launched the Transatlantic Cotton Partnership (TACP), an initiative aimed at strengthening reciprocal trade by connecting US cotton production with African textile and apparel manufacturing.
The partnership was launched during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in the presence of government officials, private-sector representatives and investors. Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane delivered the keynote address at the launch.
Under TACP, traceable US-grown cotton will be shipped directly to participating African countries, where it can be processed into yarn, textiles and finished garments for global markets, including the US.
The initiative aims to establish greater visibility across the cotton-to-garment supply chain, allowing manufacturers and consumers to trace products back to the US farm where the cotton was grown and the African facility where the garment was manufactured.
Mauritius and Kenya are among the countries participating in the partnership. Mauritius Industry Minister Ameer Meea highlighted the opportunity to use the country as a platform for investment and trade across Africa, while Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, said integrated cotton, textile and apparel value chains could support the country’s industrialisation and export growth.
The partnership is intended to strengthen links between US cotton suppliers and African textile manufacturers while creating opportunities for investment, manufacturing and exports.
TACP also seeks to promote greater integration between cotton production and downstream textile and apparel manufacturing, with participating countries looking to develop supply chains aligned with international market requirements.
