“Cotton made in Africa is innovative, because it activates market forces and creates an ongoing win-win situation for all players at all stages of the value chain – from cotton farmers to consumers.”

“I am pleased to be a member of the Board of Trustees of CmiA, because I firmly believe that the only way to overcome hunger and poverty in Africa is for NGOs to work alongside government development organisations, companies and businesses, in accordance with social and environmental criteria, for active support to smallholder farmers in the third world. It is also vital for us to change our behaviour as consumers; production and purchasing of clothing made from CmiA cotton is a great opportunity for us to do that. The work in the foundation is an enrichment because we are working across the dividing lines of the various sectors, and getting into discussion with one another.”

“Cotton made in Africa is a useful, innovative initiative. I am delighted to be able to make a contribution to setting up the legal and fiscal conditions for it, and to help in the internal organisation of Cotton made in Africa.”

“We are on a promising path in development cooperation. The population in many countries has become more self-confident. Particularly in Africa, people are taking their future into their own hands more than before. As a member of the Board of Trustees of Cotton made in Africa, I look forward to being able to contribute to creating opportunities for people and the economic development of their home countries.”

“I applaud Cotton Made in Africa’s effort to involve African farmers in value added exchange of products with European markets.“

“It is an honour and privilege to be appointed onto the Aid by Trade Foundation Board of Trustees. My family has been in the cotton business since 1935 hence we have seen all the ups and downs of the industry and the terrible effect bad policies have on African farmers. I have seen first hand how being part of a sustainable chain such as CmiA can positively impact the farmers and improve their livelihoods.”

“Cotton is a key source of income for many small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. At GIZ, we aim to enable them to increase their earnings by adopting better cultivation practices and entering into long-term partnerships with international buyers. The Cotton made in Africa standard plays a crucial role in these efforts by bringing African cotton to the European market, creating transparency throughout the supply chain, and improving the future for many people.”

“As I see it, CmiA gives our cotton an identity that fits with our vision of promoting sustainable African cotton. It also offers African producers an opportunity to publicise their good cultivation practices and to raise awareness of the conditions under which cotton is produced in Africa.”

“Since 2005, the Cotton Made in Africa Initiative has come an impressive way and is now one of the sustainability programs with the greatest socio-ecological impact in the cotton sector. It is a great honor for me to work on the Board of Trustees and to contribute my perspective as a cotton trader and member of the Presiding Committee of the Bremen Cotton Exchange.”

“In 2008, we began working together with Cotton made in Africa to realise our goal of producing 100 percent of of textile products of our own brand from sustainable cotton by 2025. The fact that we already reached this goal in 2022 speaks for itself. Demand for sustainable cotton has grown, elevating it from a niche material to the mass market, and CmiA cotton is priced competitively, even when compared to conventional cotton. Close communication between all stakeholders is key. We are now embarking on the next stage of development, with the aim of incorporating the HIP system into our approach by 2025. That is why I am proud of this strong partnership.”