UNIDO

A UNEP-led integrated programme (IP) has been launched to promote sustainable supply chains in the fashion industry in a bid to address the impact of the sector on biodiversity loss, chemicals and waste, climate change, international waters, and land degradation.

The African cotton sector has received a shot in the arm as some key global players have joined hands to galvanise financing to promote cooperation in developing programmes that support private sector engagement and investment in the Cotton-4 countries and other cotton-producing countries in West and Central Africa.

The World Trade Organization and FIFA have launched a new brand under their Cotton 4-plus initiative to promote the cotton sector in the West Africa region which is know for good quality cotton, but is unable to export enough cotton products compared to cotton lint.

As part of FIFA’s efforts to explore opportunities for African cotton-producing nations in the global football apparel market, it has roped in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to assess the cotton-to-textile value chain development in five African nations — the ‘Cotton 4 (plus)’ group.