Press Releases

Cotton made in Africa Newsroom

Welcome to Cotton made in Africa’s newsroom for journalists, bloggers, influencers, and everyone else with an interest in what Cotton made in Africa is doing. This is where you can find a summary of all current news.

Aid by Trade Foundation Joins International Alliance for Sustainable Cotton Production in Chad

05.09.2024

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) has joined the newly formed Koskilna Compact alliance. This international multi-stakeholder coalition of non-governmental organisations, companies, and state actors aims to promote the economic and social development of cotton-growing regions in Chad and to support farmers in building up resilient livelihoods. The project is scheduled to run for five years.

Transparency and Continuous Improvement: AbTF Publishes Independent Verification Results for Cotton made in Africa’s Standards

02.09.2024

AbTF Publishes Independent Verification Results for Cotton made in Africa’s Standards

Aid by Trade Foundation Publishes Annual Report for 2023

05.08.2024

AbTF publishes annual report for 2023.

Study Shows Cotton made in Africa Boosting Gender Justice

29.07.2024

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) is pursuing gender justice to redress this imbalance, and the results of a recent study reveal significant progress in this regard.

Cotton made in Africa Joins WTO and FIFA in Supporting African Cotton Through Football

18.06.2024

CmiA is now supporting a joint initiative by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) that aims to promote economic growth in developing countries through football. As the newest member of the steering committee of the recently established initiative, Partnership for Cotton or Partenariat pour le Coton, CmiA is contributing its internationally recognised expertise as the largest standard for sustainable cotton in Africa.

Interview with Biosustain about RCS in Tanzania

28.05.2024

In an interview with Tawanda Mutonhori, Project Manager at Biosustain we can peek behind the curtains of the first RCS pilot.

CmiA & African Cotton Foundation Bring Science and Industry Together to Foster Innovation for Climate Protection and Biodiversity in Cotton Cultivation

17.04.2024

In the run-up to Earth Day, which will be celebrated in 175 countries on 22 April this year, notable researchers and representatives of African cotton companies will meet in Tanzania from 15 to 18 April 2024 through the Innovations Club, which was established by Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) and the African Cotton Foundation (ACF).

A New Look for the Aid by Trade Foundation

08.04.2024

With a fresh look, a broader portfolio, and clear values, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) has a new public face. Founded in 2005 by the entrepreneur, philanthropist, and benefactor Dr Michael Otto, the non-profit organisation has now updated its colour scheme and logo to reflect the recent expansion of its portfolio to include the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS).

AbTF Cotton Conference in India: Industry Leaders and Experts From Across the Global Cotton and Textile Industry Discuss Challenges and Innovations for the Sustainable Future of Cotton

28.03.2024

From 11 to 13 March, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) successfully held its cotton conference in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India. The conference brought together a global network of industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the cotton and textile industry.

22 March Is World Water Day: Cotton made in Africa Supports Human Right to Water Through Wells, Training, and Water Filters

21.03.2024

In many regions of the world, water is becoming a luxury. Demand for water is growing along with the global population. The supply of water, however, is coming under threat by climate change, especially in structurally disadvantaged regions such as ones in Africa South of the Sahara, where weather extremes like droughts and torrential rainfall are having a devastating effect. Through its Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) standard, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is working to ensure more equitable access to safe drinking water and better protection for this valuable resource.

International Women’s Day, 8 March: Cotton made in Africa Supports Women’s Rights and Independence

01.03.2024

Forming the hub of hundreds of thousands of small-scale farming operations and households in African countries south of the Sahara, women play a key role in sustainable cotton cultivation. However, they are often at a disadvantage due to discriminatory structures and societal prejudices. The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) aims to address these issues through Cotton made in Africa (CmiA). Gender equality is enshrined in the CmiA standard, and CmiA also supports the economic and social independence of women and girls through community projects. Current examples include a project for organic shea butter in Benin and a project at a girls’ school in Tanzania, which is being conducted in collaboration with local partners and the fashion brands comma and s.Oliver, both part of the S.OLIVER GROUP.

Avon and Cotton made in Africa Announce Partnership

14.02.2024

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) is thrilled to announce its first partnership in the cosmetics sector, with Avon. Avon is part of Brazil-based Natura &Co, one of the world’s largest cosmetics groups. As part of Avon’s ambitious sustainability commitments, it has pledged to use more renewable materials in its supply chains and improve the impact of its products on people and planet. This collaboration with CmiA marks a major step in terms of cotton sustainability for Avon.

Aid by Trade Foundation Announces Annual Cotton Conference in Mumbai: A Sustainable Future for Cotton

25.01.2024

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) announces the 2024 AbTF Cotton Conference, which will take place from 11 to 13 March in the vibrant metropolis of Mumbai, India. At this annual conference, AbTF brings together leading experts, researchers, and professionals from throughout the world to discuss current challenges, and their solutions, in the field of sustainable cotton and textile production. This year’s focus is on innovative and digital ways to develop transparent and sustainable supply chains.

Pilot Phase of Training With African People & Wildlife in Tanzania

18.12.2023

Representatives and partners of the Aid by Trade Foundation recently had the opportunity to participate in the pilot phase of the ACTIVETM community engagement training programme by African People & Wildlife (APW).

“We would like to see organically cultivated cotton noils become more widely available in the near future”

15.12.2023

A subsidiary of Giesecke+Devrient, Louisenthal is a key supplier of speciality paper to the European Central Bank. It also supplies many countries with security paper for identity documents. Interview With Astrid Drexler, Product Manager at Louisenthal.

AbTF Launches CmiA Soil Assessment Guide

05.12.2023

With its new Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) Soil Assessment Guide, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is further expanding its training programme for small-scale cotton farmers in Africa. Using this guide, cotton farmers can collect valuable information about soil conditions in their fields—easily, quickly, and on the spot.

Aid by Trade Foundation Presents New Standard for Regenerative Cotton Produced by Small-Scale Farmers

06.11.2023

Through its Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS), the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is setting a new bar for sustainable cotton standards. RCS is the first regenerative cotton standard that explicitly prioritises the interests and knowledge of small-scale farmers involved in the production process. With small-scale farmers and textile companies facing growing challenges, the new standard will play a key role in ensuring the resilience and future viability of the sector.

CmiA, Geocledian, and Alliance Ginneries Ltd. Begin Implementation of Remote Sensing Project for African Cotton

11.10.2023

In a trailblazing project, CmiA unlocks the potential of satellite-supported remote sensing for sustainable cotton production. This process, which collects information on soil and vegetation, has grown in importance for agriculture throughout the world in recent years. It makes it possible to increase the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of agricultural operations. CmiA is working with Geocledian GmbH and the Tanzanian company Alliance Ginneries Ltd. to extend these advantages to CmiA partner companies as well.

Top marks for Cotton made in Africa in WWF comparative study on cotton standards

26.06.2023

In a recent study, the WWF compared and reviewed the sustainability criteria of six widely used international cotton standards. CmiA performs excellently in this benchmarking, leaving other well-known standards such as Better Cotton behind in many criteria.

WASH Study: The Success of CmiA’s Community Cooperation Programme

20.06.2023

Using Côte d’Ivoire as an example, a broad study published in January 2023 confirmed the effectiveness of WASH projects funded through the CmiA Community Cooperation Programme.

A Successful Regional Workshop for West and Central Africa

19.06.2023

After a long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, it finally became possible to hold a regional workshop for all CmiA partners in West and Central Africa.

CmiA Cotton: Complying With the Supply Chain Act

16.06.2023

In the textile industry, demand is growing for cotton whose provenance is fully traceable from the beginning to the end of the value chain. CmiA products produced under the Hard Identity Preserved system offer transparency and traceability back to their original regions of cultivation. In Germany, traceability is also becoming increasingly important for brands and retailers to comply with the law for due diligence in supply chains.

Cotton Made in Africa and African Cotton Foundation launched the “Innovations Club” with a three-day workshop for CmiA Partners and ACF Members in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

02.06.2023

CmiA and ACF started a new joint initiative – the Innovations Club. The Innovations Club platform brings together regional and international experts, researchers, agronomists, and extension specialists committed to finding the most effective, practical, and implementable practices to urgently regenerate African small holder farming eco-systems.

“Tackling the pressing issues together: climate change, cotton seed quality, and farmer training”

12.01.2023

Executive Director of the African Cotton Foundation Belinda Edmonds, on the most pressing challenges facing the cotton sector and how the African Cotton Foundation plans to address them.

“It is always nice to see clients like CmiA critically examining their own work and setting in train new learning processes”

29.12.2022

The consulting firm Syspons GmbH recently conducted an impact study of CmiA for the Aid by Trade Foundation. In this interview with evaluator Motje Seidler we discuss the outcomes of the investigation.

“CmiA-labelled Textiles will offer consumers values-based purchasing options”

28.11.2022

South Korean retailer Shinsegae International and one of its lifestyle brands JAJU are the first Cotton made in Africa partners in Asia. Co-CEO Lee Seock-koo on sustainable fashion consumption in South Korea.

CmiA Officially Recognised by Two Relevant Sustainability Standards

21.10.2022

CmiA has been officially recognised by Green Button and been confirmed as an accredited source of raw materials for Cradle to Cradle Certified®.

The Aid by Trade Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Cotton Association (ICA)

18.07.2022

The Aid by Trade Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Cotton Association (ICA). This joint statement will help strengthen cooperation […]

Aid by Trade Foundation Publishes Annual Report for 2021

30.06.2022

AbTF Publishes Annual Report for 2021. Significant Growth in the Foundation’s Revenue and Results Benefits People, Animals, and the Environment.

“Transparency in the textile supply chain is the future”

29.06.2022

A huge exporter that supplies knitted yarn for all the major retail brands around the world, the Ahmed Group is also a longtime partner of CmiA. In an interview, Sajid Israq, one of the directors of the Ahmed Group Textile Division, discusses the demand for transparency in the supply chain.

“With the current challenges around Organic Cotton, it is great to share an authentic and verified story”

29.06.2022

BESTSELLER is an international, family-run fashion company and the first to use cotton certified Cotton made in Africa Organic. An Interview with Senior Project Specialist at BESTSELLER Danique Lodewijks.

Interview with Hansjörg Zeller and Nele Erdmann from atmosfair

29.06.2022

The CmiA Carbon Neutral Initiative breaks new ground in decarbonising cotton production. An interview with atmosfair.

“CmiA has shown itself to be highly reliable and accessible in these volatile and challenging times”

28.06.2022

The German retailer Ernsting’s family intends to use exclusively sustainable cotton by 2026. CmiA plays a key role in the company’s plans to reach this goal, as Anna Rensing, the head of its quality development department and the person in charge of product sustainability at Ernsting’s family, explains in this interview.

Cotton made in Africa Visits Partners in Africa

28.06.2022

While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many in-person meetings with our partners throughout the world, our team was thrilled to get together in person again and to visit partners across Africa after so many digital meetings.

Cotton made in Africa Breaks Supply and Demand Records

25.05.2022

Cotton made in Africa has once again achieved record levels of supply and demand. New and existing clients are seeking to purchase greater amounts of cotton verified through CmiA and CmiA Organic.

Aid by Trade Foundation and Partners Invest EUR 2.8 Million in Climate Adaptation Project

04.05.2022

Promoting Climate Protection and Resilience for Small-Scale Farmers in Africa Through Sustainable Soil Management. To enable the farmers to develop resiliency and adapt to the changing climate, the AbTF, which administers Cotton made in Africa, launched CAR-iSMa, a co-operative project.

Aid by Trade Foundation and Better Cotton form a new strategic collaboration for 2023

27.01.2022

After 10 years of fruitful partnership, Aid by Trade Foundation and Better Cotton are establishing a new form of collaboration for greater impact.

LPP Partners With Cotton made in Africa – Cotton Initiative Wins First Polish Partner

17.01.2022

LPP, a Polish fashion company, has partnered with CmiA, launching yet another year of growth for the internationally respected standard for sustainable cotton. By joining CmiA, LPP – whose brands include Reserved, Cropp. House, Mohito and Sinsay – is making a clear commitment to sustainable cotton cultivation and people in cotton-growing countries.

CmiA Regional Workshop in Lusaka

21.12.2021

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our team was not able to interact with its African partners via in-person meetings for a long time. Since travel restrictions were lifted over the summer and vaccination programmes have been taking up speed, we took the chance to invite our partnering English-speaking cotton companies and experts in the field of sustainable agriculture to participate in a regional workshop in Lusaka, Zambia.

Cotton made in Africa Carbon Neutral: A New Initiative by the Aid by Trade Foundation for CO2-Neutral Cotton

07.12.2021

The climate impact of textiles is now shifting into focus, and the AbTF is tackling the issue together with atmosfair. The product of their collaboration is the Cotton made in Africa Carbon Neutral initiative, which provides a basis for a more climate-friendly textile supply chain.

The Aid by Trade Foundation is a member of the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles

26.11.2021

The Aid by Trade Foundation is a member of the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to improve social and environmental conditions in the textile and garment sector.

Continued Growth for Cotton made in Africa

26.10.2021

International demand for CmiA cotton continues to grow. New partners – including BRAX from Germany, Jolo Fashion Group from the Netherlands and Shinsegae International from South Korea – are joining the CmiA initiative.

World Cotton Day: Study Shows Positive Influence of CmiA Training and Verification on the Lives of Small-Scale Farmers

06.10.2021

On the occasion of the World Cotton Day on October 7th, which was launched in 2019 by the World Trade Organization in Geneva, the Aid by Trade Foundation draws attention to cotton farmers in Africa.

CmiA Stakeholder Webinar Week 2021

30.08.2021

We invite you to the Cotton made in Africa Stakeholder Webinar Week 2021 which will be held online. The individual sessions are scheduled over four consecutive days on 27 September–30 September 2021.

CmiA Helps to Improve Educational Infrastructure: Study Confirms Positive Impacts of Community Projects

28.07.2021

The AbTF commissioned a case study to measure the effects of the projects, with a focus on education infrastructure and quality for local cotton farming communities.

Greater Transparency Through Our Tracking System

01.07.2021

Global trading companies must be able to rely on transparency in the value chain — while also taking on more responsibility themselves. Incidents underlining the need for more insight and traceability in the supply chain are not infrequent, especially in countries like China and India. In response, CmiA developed the SCOT tracking system.

Unprecedented Demand for Cotton made in Africa’s Cotton

11.05.2021

In 2020, CmiA was able to improve on the previous year’s gains, resulting in a record turnover of 276 million textiles bearing the red CmiA label. This benefits over one million small-scale farmers in Africa who are growing cotton in accordance with CmiA’s sustainability criteria.

The Environmental Footprint of Cotton made in Africa’s Cotton

27.04.2021

In 2020, the Aid by Trade Foundation commissioned a scientific study on the environmental footprint left by cotton verified under the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) standard.

Cotton made in Africa cooperates with the African Cotton Foundation

20.04.2021

The Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative will join forces with the African Cotton Foundation (ACF) to promote socially and ecologically sustainable cotton cultivation.

Lidl Backs Cotton made in Africa

28.01.2021

The Cotton made in Africa initiative (CmiA) is now able to significantly boost sales of sustainable cotton from Africa thanks to its partner Lidl, which is primarily working with CmiA to achieve its goal of using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2022.

Celebrity Support for Cotton made in Africa

19.11.2020

With its third HUGO x Liam Payne capsule, HUGO BOSS has launched a sustainable collection in support of Cotton made in Africa. Created by HUGO BOSS in conjunction with brand ambassador Liam Payne, this exclusive collection helps protect the environment and improve living conditions in Africa by using cotton verified through Cotton made in Africa.

Successful cooperation with African People & Wildlife in “Mama Asali” Women Beekeeping Project

28.08.2020

The cooperation between AbTF and ‘African People and Wildlife’ for a project promoting women in Tanzania was successfully implemented.

A water project in Ethiopia

05.08.2020

AbTF cooperating with partner-organisations in the development project ‘Tackling pollution from the apparel sector through engaging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in water stewardship’

Aid by Trade Foundation publishes new verification report

22.07.2020

AbTF is publishing the ninth edition of its annual aggregated verification report. This report represents AbTF’s continued commitment to transparency in 2019 and informs the […]

Aid by Trade Foundation Supports Youth Education Centre in Tanzania

27.05.2020

Aid by Trade Foundation Supports Youth Education Centre in Tanzania 27.05.2020, Hamburg – In the East African country of Tanzania, the non-profit Aid by Trade […]

Hugo Boss Announces Partnership With Cotton made in Africa

11.09.2019

Hugo Boss Announces Partnership With Cotton made in Africa Hamburg/Metzingen, 2019-09-11. Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) is expanding its network of cooperation partners and brands to […]

CmiA Founder Prof. Dr. Michael Otto: “It is the courage and strength of our partners in Africa and around the world that spurs us on.”

19.06.2019

A total of 580,000 tons of cotton were certified according to the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) standard in 2018. CmiA was thus able to […]

Bottom UP: Anchoring environmental and social standards in the Ethiopian textile industry

07.06.2019

Solidaridad, Cotton made in Africa, Danish Ethical Trading Initiative and MVO Nederland start a new project to promote a sustainable cotton and garment value chain, […]

Cotton made in Africa and Motsi Mabuse strengthen women’s rights in sub-Saharan Africa

07.03.2019

Initiative and Ambassador focus on Empowerment on International Women’s Day Hamburg, March 8, 2019. In 2018, 160,000 female cotton farmers were part of the Cotton […]

A hashtag for sustainability

17.10.2018

The Bathrobe Challenge by Cotton made in Africa reached millions of people through social networks Over a million smallholder farmers in Africa, 500,000 tons of […]

CmiA Cotton Producers Visit Textile Industry in Turkey

15.10.2018

Hamburg/Istanbul, October 15, 2018. On the initiative of Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), a 17-members delegation of African cotton producers traveled to Turkey to learn […]

CmiA and the Sustainable Development Goals

25.09.2018

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were set up by the United Nations in 2015 to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all – […]

#BathrobeChallenge from Cotton made in Africa

31.08.2018

Wear a bathrobe and take a stand for cotton farmers in Africa Wear a bathrobe for a good cause – that’s the motto of the […]

All Signs on Growth at Cotton made in Africa

21.08.2018

International Expansion with New Partners As the world’s largest standard for sustainable cotton from Africa, Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) now certifies around 40% of […]

Cotton made in Africa with record successes

12.04.2018

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) was founded in 2005 by Dr. Michael Otto as a social business to protect the environmental and to support smallholder […]

Motsi Mabuse Becomes Ambassador for Cotton made in Africa

09.04.2018

In the TV-show “Let’s Dance”, Motsi Mabuse has been inspiring audiences since 2007. As an ambassador of the initiative Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), the […]

World Water Day: Cotton made in Africa Saves About 63 Billion Litres of Water

21.03.2018

In many parts of the world cotton is artificially irrigated. On global average, cotton uses more than 2,100 litres of water per kilogram.1 Cotton made in […]

Female Smallholder Farmers in Africa are True Multi-Talents

15.03.2018

Female smallholder farmers in Africa play a key role in the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative. These strong women work hard to create prospects […]

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development invests up to 8 million euros in sustainable cotton production in Africa

31.01.2018

To promote sustainable cotton cultivation and improve the living conditions of smallholder farmers in Africa, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) […]

Laura Chaplin Unveils Her First Exclusive Bed Linen Set to the Public

15.01.2018

With an exclusive event, Dibella Group Ltd and the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) Initiative celebrated their successful partnership at the Heimtextil Trade Fair in […]

Clean Drinking Water, Toilets and 10,000 Hygiene Ambassadors Improve Living Conditions in Zimbabwe

04.12.2017

Hunger and unemployment shape everyday life in Simbabwe. After almost 40 years under President Mugabe, the East African country’s once flourishing agriculture lies broken. Cotton […]

Otto Group With its Frontrunner bonprix, Tchibo and the REWE Group Biggest Buyers of Cotton made in Africa Cotton

14.09.2017

Fashion Brands and Textile Retailers Back Cotton made in Africa Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) cotton is more in demand than ever before. Around 50 […]

Cotton made in Africa Achieves Record Revenues

17.08.2017

50 Million CmiA Textiles in the Commercial Year 2016 Upon publication of its annual report for 2016, Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) can report positive […]

Visiting Laura Chaplin at Home

13.07.2017

Laura Chaplin, granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin and ambassador for Cotton made in Africa, about her life, mission and her new label Smile by Laura Chaplin […]

Cotton made in Africa Celebrates its Bathrobe Day Premiere

29.06.2017

Celebrities, Hamburg testimonials, non-political organizations and textile companies flew the flag for Cotton made in Africa On the occasion of the Bathrobe Day premiere, Cotton […]

Cotton made in Africa Supply Chain Workshop in India

24.05.2017

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) certified cotton is processed all over the world in all major textile production countries. The aim of the Cotton made […]

HAKRO Announced as New Partner of “Cotton made in Africa”

17.05.2017

HAKRO GmbH has launched its next sustainability project. The supplier of clothing for corporate fashion, work, leisure and sport has now signed a partnership agreement […]

Otto Group saves 33 billion litres of water with CmiA

21.04.2017

Through the use of the certified sustainable cotton with the “Cotton made in Africa” (CmiA) label, more than 33 billion litres of water were saved. […]

Dibella and Cotton made in Africa close a partnership agreement for the “Heimtextil Messe” (household textile exhibition) in Frankfurt

12.01.2017

In time for the Heimtextil Messe (household textile exhibition) in Frankfurt, the Dibella company group and the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) Initiative are sealing […]

With Cotton made in Africa textile companies better get to know their raw material

20.09.2016

This year’s Stakeholder Conference of Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) and the Competitive African Cotton Initiative (COMPACI) was held from September 7 to 8 in […]

CmiA Cooperates With Its First Retail Partner in Norway

13.09.2016

KID INTERERIOR, specialised in home textiles with a typically Scandinavian modern and minimalistic design touch, joins Cotton made in Africa (CmiA). The company is the […]

Water for Mozambique – Water and Sanitation Project in Mozambique Successfully Completed

01.09.2016

On the occasion of the world water week, the community Project for clean drinking water and hygiene in the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) growing […]

Cotton made in Africa – OTTO launches sustainability campaign

19.07.2016

OTTO will be shining the spotlight on the subject of sustainability in its 360° campaign starting on July 19. The main scene will be an […]

Jack & Jones first Cotton made in Africa Retail Partner in Denmark

14.07.2016

Jack & Jones – one of Europe’s leading producers of menswear – cooperates with the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative to combine fashion with […]

Laura Chaplin is ambassador of Cotton made in Africa

23.06.2016

Laura Chaplin, the granddaughter of the world-famous actor Charlie Chaplin, is lined up to start working immediately as an ambassador for the Cotton made in […]

Combating poverty, drought and causes of flight with biodiversity

16.06.2016

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought prompted the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) to use funds from the Otto Group to help two […]

Joined forces for value addition in the African cotton and textile industry

10.05.2016

Since 2013, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) cooperates with the African Cotton and Textiles Industries Federation (ACTIF) to promote the sustainable cotton and textile […]

Cotton made in Africa Reaches 670,000 Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa

01.03.2016

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) is an Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) initiative that helps African smallholders help themselves through trade. Specifically, it works for […]

1888 Mills and Cotton made in Africa Conclude New Partnership at “Heimtextil” in Frankfurt

13.01.2016

On the occasion of Heimtextil fair in Frankfurt/Germany 1888 Mills, a leading US manufacturer of home and hospitality textiles and Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) […]

Experts See Cotton made in Africa as a Sustainable Basis for the Growing Textile Industry in Ethiopia

10.11.2015

Cotton is the most widely used raw material for global textile production and the livelihood of millions of people in Africa. In East African Ethiopia, […]

Cotton made in Africa secures growth in added value for African smallholders

07.07.2015

The fact that Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) is committed to social welfare by securing ILO core labor standards, the payment of the minimum wage […]

10 years of Cotton made in Africa – 10 years of fashion with a heart and a sign for responsible fashion

10.06.2015

Since it was founded in June 2005, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), launched by Dr. Michael Otto, and its Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) […]

Drop for Life – Water for Mozambique!

05.05.2015

Clean drinking water and proper sanitation are taken for granted in many parts of the world – but in rural Africa they are precious commodities. […]

Water and hygiene – basic human rights!

22.03.2015

780 people around the world lack access to safe drinking water. 2.5 billion people lack adequate sanitation facilities. 4 billion people – many of them […]

Cotton made in Africa Establishes Sustainable Cotton Production in Uganda

04.02.2015

Approximately 5,400 smallholder farmers from Uganda are now benefiting from the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) and its Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative. This […]

CmiA cotton saves water and greenhouse gas emissions

06.11.2014

Life Cycle Assessment confirms: “CmiA cotton reduces the negative impact on climate change!” For Ulrike Bos from Fraunhofer Institute and Dr. Susanne Neubert from the […]

CmiA stands up for the rights of children in Africa

12.06.2014

Children of CmiA smallholder cotton farmers learn how to read and write According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), more than 170 million children worldwide […]

Sustainable textile production starts with smallholder farmers

24.04.2014

To commemorate the collapse of the textile factory Rana Plaza in Bangladesh exactly one year ago, the international Fashion Revolution Day calls on consumers to […]

Ceremonial school opening in Zambia

18.03.2014

Otto Group and Aid by Trade Foundation enable 2,900 children to attend school 2,900 children get a chance at education with the ceremonial opening of […]

Transparency across the entire textile chain of Rösch

03.03.2014

The textile value chain is known for its high complexity. During the process from raw material to final product, textiles pass through numerous production steps. […]

Cotton made in Africa continues its path of success

13.02.2014

Nearly 70,000 smallholder farmers in Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Côte d’Ivoire benefit from the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative’s program for the first time […]

Hermes Counts on Cotton made in Africa

11.12.2013

The Hermes Logistik Gruppe Germany (HLGD) is the cotton initiative’s Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) newest partner. Since November, the company expects to outfit its […]

Cotton made in Africa and Tchibo celebrate school opening with 760 children in Benin

29.11.2013

760 children from Benin will rejoice in being able to go to school. As part of the project “Cotton for sustainable education”, initiated by the […]

Clothing made from sustainable African cotton

20.11.2013

Lingerie specialist Gerhard Rösch supports the Cotton Made in Africa initiative (CmiA) for the first time with its 2014 fall/winter collection. The never out of […]

Burkina Faso: 5,300 Smallholder Farmers Learn Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic

05.09.2013

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) look to this year’s annual UNESCO International Literacy Day on September 8 with a positive note: more than 5,300 […]

Aid by Trade Foundation and BCI Sign Cooperation Agreement

28.08.2013

Representatives from the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) signed a long-term cooperation agreement in Paris today. By signing this agreement, […]

Baroness Lola Young Joins the Aid by Trade Foundation Board of Trustees

13.06.2013

British peer of the realm Baroness Lola Young joined the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) Board of Trustees on June 1st, 2013 and participated in […]

Engelbert Strauss Supports Cotton Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa

06.05.2013

Engelbert Strauss, the mail-order and retail company, is the latest Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) demand partner. The cooperation represents CmiA’s first entry into the […]

Vlisco Group sponsors Cotton made in Africa

30.04.2013

Dutch fashion fabric producer Vlisco Group is to partner with Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA) and will be the initiative’s first partner to both produce […]

Cotton made in Africa: Exhibit Returns to Benin

20.02.2013

The exhibit “Albert Watson: Visions feat. Cotton made in Africa” returns to its country of origin in two ways: a selection from the heart of […]

Cotton Initiative Expands Activities in Southeast Africa

21.11.2012

The Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) Initiative will begin working with around 30,000 smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe starting with the cotton harvest 2012/13. The objective […]

real,- becomes partner of the Cotton made in Africa Initiative

12.11.2012

Cotton has been traded globally for centuries and, along with coffee, cocoa and tea, numbers among the most important export goods. The Aid by Trade […]

Benin Smallholder Farmers Rub Shoulders with International Stars

14.09.2012

Yesterday the Deichtorhallen Hamburg opened the Albert Watson: Visions feat. Cotton made in Africa exhibition in the House of Photography. At its heart are 36 […]

Cotton made in Africa supports women’s cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire

27.06.2012

The Cotton made in Africa Initiative (CmiA) supports 25 women’s cooperatives in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Inside one year, 1,250 women and 12,500 family members are […]

Watson: “The energy and joie de vivre of the people impressed me deeply.”

05.06.2012

Together with renowned photographer Albert Watson, the Cotton made in Africa Initiative presented a preview of the Albert Watson: Visions feat. Cotton made in Africa […]

Cotton made in Africa Welcomes Mozambique as Sixth Project Country

22.02.2012

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) welcomes a new project country in Southeast Africa: 75,000 smallholder cotton farmers in Mozambique will join and participate in the […]

Baroness Lola Young To Be Ambassador For The Aid by Trade Foundation

15.02.2012

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is expanding its network in Great Britain: Baroness Lola Young has come on board as the foundation’s ambassador. The […]

OTTO Austria supports adult education program for cotton farmers in Burkina Faso

08.02.2012

In cooperation with the Aid by Trade Foundation, OTTO Austria will support a school project in Burkina Faso starting in March 2012. The program will […]

Designer Julia Starp creates new line with Cotton Made in Africa

12.01.2012

The successful young designer from Hamburg, Julia Starp, has designed an eight-piece spring / summer collection exclusively for OTTO. The collection is made of, amongst […]

Aid by Trade Foundation Presents its Initiative at the House of Lords

09.12.2011

The Aid by Trade Foundation yesterday presented its initiative Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) during a round table at the House of Lords in London. […]

Albert Watson to photograph Cotton made in Africa smallholder farmers

01.12.2011

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) and the Deichtorhallen Hamburg are sending star photographer Albert Watson to Benin. Over the next two weeks, Watson will photograph […]

Aid by Trade Foundation expands international network to Canada

10.11.2011

Reliable Hosiery is the first Canadian company to join the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) demand alliance. The Aid by Trade Foundation, CmiA’s supporting organization, […]

C&A purchases sustainable cotton from Cotton made in Africa

04.10.2011

C&A, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, today joins the Cotton made in Africa initiative’s Demand Alliance. In 2012 the company plans to take up […]

Otto Group supports Aid by Trade Foundation School Project in Zambia

20.09.2011

The Otto Group and the Aid by Trade Foundation have launched a project to promote Zambia’s school infrastructure. With the cooperation of the Dunavant Zambia […]

Aid by Trade Foundation Partners with Ethical Expert Abi Rushton

06.09.2011

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is glad to announce a pioneering new partnership in the United Kingdom: Abi Rushton, Founder and Director ofethicalexpert limited, […]

Aid by Trade Foundation lays Groundwork for Assessing the Success of Cotton made in Africa

01.09.2011

The Aid by Trade Foundation has presented the first study of the project regions involved in its Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA) initiative. The results […]

Michael Otto receives Walter Scheel Prize

06.06.2011

Michael Otto has been awarded the Walter Scheel Prize for his commitment to development cooperation. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development presented the […]

Launch of SUSTAINEO

03.05.2011

SUSTAINEO is the name of this strategic initiative which strives for a stronger involvement of global market dynamics in development approaches to enable smallholder farmers […]

James Shikwati joins the Board of Trustees of the Aid by Trade Foundation

28.04.2011

ames Shikwati, known for his criticism of classic development aid, is to join the Board of Trustees of the Aid by Trade Foundation. The founder […]

Otto Group and the Cotton made in Africa Initiative promote adult literacy in Burkina Faso

18.04.2011

Education is the key to sustainable development. This is why the Otto Group is making a financial contribution to a social project established by the […]

Anvil joins the Cotton made in Africa Demand Alliance

24.01.2011

The Aid by Trade Foundation further expands the Demand Alliance for its Cotton made in Africa initiative to the USA: Anvil is the first North […]

Documents & Publications – Cotton made in Africa

Do you want to learn more about the initiative and its background?

Here you find the most important materials and information about Cotton made in Africa, from Annual Reports, Standard Documents, Position Papers, Studies and Supply Chain Documents. We would be happy to personally assist you with any further questions as well.

Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report 2023

Étude CmiA sur l’autonomisation des femmes – Synthèse

CmiA Study on Women Empowerment

CmiA Annual Report 2023

CmiA Community Cooperation Programme 2024

Fact Sheet 2023

Sponsorship Opportunities – Aid by Trade Foundation Cotton Conference

Social Media Kit – Aid by Trade Foundation Cotton Conference

Aid by Trade Foundation Cotton Conference Agenda French

Aid by Trade Foundation Cotton Conference Agenda English

CmiA Soil Assessment Field Guidance 2023

CmiA Soil Assessment Guide 2023

Learning Report about embedding water stewardship in cotton production in Ethiopia

CmiA Community Cooperation Programme 2023

Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report 2022

CmiA Annual Report 2022

Procédure d’appel de CmiA

Directives du comité d’appel de CmiA

Formulaire de soumission d’appels de CmiA

Manuel d’assurance qualité V1.1

CmiA Organic – Exigences complémentaires pour CmiA Vol 4

CmiA Standard Volume 4 – French

Évaluation des projets WASH de CmiA en Côte d’Ivoire – French

Evaluation of CmiA’s WASH projects in Côte d’Ivoire – French & English

Facts and Figures 2022

CmiA Standard Setting and Revision Procedure

CmiA Stakeholder Conference Informations Utiles

CmiA Stakeholder Conference Helpful Information

CmiA Stakeholder Conference 2022 – French

CmiA Stakeholder Conference 2022

CmiA Annual Report 2021

Facts and Figures 2021

Fact Sheet 2021

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning System Report

Directive et procédure pour le traitement des plaintes

CmiA Complaints Policy and Procedure

List of Prohibited Pesticide Active Ingredients (2022)

CmiA Organic – Complementary Requirements To CmiA Vol.4

Aggregated Verification Report CmiA 2021

CmiA Appeals Commitee Guidelines

CmiA Appeals Submission Form

CmiA Appeals Procedure

CmiA Impact Study 2021

CmiA Carbon Neutral Initiative Fact Sheet 2021

CmiA Stakeholder Webinar Week 2021 – Agenda French

CmiA Stakeholder Webinar Week 2021 – Agenda

Water Security Scan Report

Aggregated Verification Report CmiA 2020

CmiA Community Education Project Evaluation Report

Fabric Trader / Dye House Registration Guideline

Yarn Trader / Dye House Registration Guideline

Claims Framework 2023

Chain of Custody Guidelines CmiA

CmiA Standard Volume 4

CmiA Annual Report 2020

Code of Conduct

Gender Equality French

Fact Sheet 2020

Facts and Figures 2020

Gender Equality English

Life Cycle Assessment Cotton made in Africa 2021

Theory of Change – Simplified – French

Theory of Change – Simplified – English

Theory of Change – Complex – French

Theory of Change – Complex – English

Theory of Change – French

Theory of Change – English

Fact Sheet 2019

Code of Conduct

Facts and Figures 2019

Aggregated Verification Report CmiA 2019

CmiA Annual Report 2019

Fact Sheet 2019

Factsheet 2018

CmiA Annual Report 2018

CmiA Annual Report 2017

CmiA Annual Report 2016

CmiA Annual Report 2015

CmiA Annual Report 2014

CmiA Annual Report 2013

Fabric Mills Registration Guidelines CmiA

Spinning Mills Registration Guidelines CmiA

Cotton Trader

CmiA Cotton Companies

Dirty Dozen – AbTF Position Paper

Life Cycle Assessment CmiA 2014

Good Agricultural Practices – 5 Finger Booklet CmiA English

Gender Picture Block COMPACI 2016 English

Training material CmiA against child labour Portuguese

Training material CmiA against child labour French

Training material CmiA against child labour English

Training material CmiA against child labour Chichewa

Training material CmiA against child labour Amharic

Aggregated Verification Report CmiA 2018

Aggregated Verification Report CmiA 2017

Aggregated Verification Report CmiA 2016

CmiA Activity Report 2012

Pictures and Videos

Here we share photos and videos from the world of Cotton made in Africa. Our photographic material is available for licence upon request, and the videos are linked directly to Cotton made in Africa’s YouTube channel.

The materials listed may only be used for editorial purposes. The commercial usage or publication of any or all listed items is strictly prohibited, unless prior consent is granted by the Aid by Trade Foundation. Nothing in this document may be construed to suggest that the Aid by Trade Foundation has given a licence to use any of the listed items. Documents may only be copied for personal use, as long as source and copyright information are included, provided no changes or omissions are made. Some documents and photos to which the Aid by Trade Foundation does not hold the copyright have been published on this website with the consent of the respective copyright holders. All rights to these documents are reserved, and permission to copy them must be requested from the copyright holder. Please contact the Aid by Trade Foundation for additional information.

Annual Reports & Fact Sheets

Annual Reports

Annual Report 2023

Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2021

Annual Report 2020

Annual Report 2019

Annual Report 2018

Annual Report 2017

Annual Report 2016

Annual Report 2015

Annual Report 2014

Annual Report 2013

Fact Sheets

FACTS & FIGURES 2022

Fact Sheet 2021

FACTS & FIGURES 2021

Fact Sheet 2020

FACTS & FIGURES 2020

Fact Sheet 2019

FACTS & FIGURES 2019

Press Mailing List

Our Press Mailing List

Stay up to date, and begin receiving all publicity information produced by the Aid by Trade Foundation and Cotton made in Africa immediately, by subscribing to our press mailing list here.

The Small Print

You can change your mind at any time by simply clicking the unsubscribe button at the bottom of any of our press emails. You can naturally also contact us by email at info@abt-foundation.org. Information on how we implement data protection is available on our website (see link below). By subscribing to our mailing list, you consent to us processing your information accordingly.

Our Press Mailing List
Stay up to date, and begin receiving all publicity information produced by the Aid by Trade Foundation and Cotton made in Africa immediately, by subscribing to our press mailing list here.

I agree with the privacy policyBitte lasse dieses Feld leer.
The Small Print

You can change your mind at any time by simply clicking the unsubscribe button at the bottom of any of our press emails. You can naturally also contact us by email at info@abt-foundation.org. Information on how we implement data protection is available on our website (see link below). By subscribing to our mailing list, you consent to us processing your information accordingly.

Your Press Contact

We would be happy to assist you with any queries by telephone, email, or in person.

Christina Ben Bella

christina.benbella@abt-foundation.org

Holger Diedrich

holger.diedrich@abt-foundation.org

You might recognise us from the following media publications:

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/aktiv_wirtschaft.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bento.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/deutsche_welle.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Deutschlandfunk_Nova.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/focus_online.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Gala.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Galileo.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Neue_Zuercher_Zeitung.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/StiftungWartentest.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Stuttgarter_Zeitung.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/T-online.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/TextilWirtschaft.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/vogue.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/WDR-Doku.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/WirtschaftsWoche.png

https://cottonmadeinafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zeit.png

Campaigns

You may also be interested in these campaigns

Bathrobe Challenge

Wear a bathrobe for a good cause – the #BathrobeChallenge reached millions of people via social networks.

Albert Watson

The renowned photographer Albert Watson travelled to Benin to get an impression of the diversity of life in Benin and its people and transported a better awareness of CmiA’s work.

CmiA x Fashion

Interviews with well-known designers about designing outfits with CmiA.

Feel free to share this page

Press Releases

Cotton made in Africa Newsroom

Aid by Trade Foundation Joins International Alliance for Sustainable Cotton Production in Chad

Transparency and Continuous Improvement: AbTF Publishes Independent Verification Results for Cotton made in Africa’s Standards

Aid by Trade Foundation Publishes Annual Report for 2023

Study Shows Cotton made in Africa Boosting Gender Justice

Cotton made in Africa Joins WTO and FIFA in Supporting African Cotton Through Football

Interview with Biosustain about RCS in Tanzania

CmiA & African Cotton Foundation Bring Science and Industry Together to Foster Innovation for Climate Protection and Biodiversity in Cotton Cultivation

A New Look for the Aid by Trade Foundation

AbTF Cotton Conference in India: Industry Leaders and Experts From Across the Global Cotton and Textile Industry Discuss Challenges and Innovations for the Sustainable Future of Cotton

22 March Is World Water Day: Cotton made in Africa Supports Human Right to Water Through Wells, Training, and Water Filters

International Women’s Day, 8 March: Cotton made in Africa Supports Women’s Rights and Independence

Avon and Cotton made in Africa Announce Partnership

Aid by Trade Foundation Announces Annual Cotton Conference in Mumbai: A Sustainable Future for Cotton

Pilot Phase of Training With African People & Wildlife in Tanzania

“We would like to see organically cultivated cotton noils become more widely available in the near future”

AbTF Launches CmiA Soil Assessment Guide

Aid by Trade Foundation Presents New Standard for Regenerative Cotton Produced by Small-Scale Farmers

CmiA, Geocledian, and Alliance Ginneries Ltd. Begin Implementation of Remote Sensing Project for African Cotton

“Honest, authentic, and transparent communication”

Aid by Trade Foundation Board of Trustees Grows

CmiA Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report 2022

CmiA takes a positive balance for 2022

Top marks for Cotton made in Africa in WWF comparative study on cotton standards

WASH Study: The Success of CmiA’s Community Cooperation Programme

A Successful Regional Workshop for West and Central Africa

CmiA Cotton: Complying With the Supply Chain Act

Cotton Made in Africa and African Cotton Foundation launched the “Innovations Club” with a three-day workshop for CmiA Partners and ACF Members in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

“Tackling the pressing issues together: climate change, cotton seed quality, and farmer training”

“It is always nice to see clients like CmiA critically examining their own work and setting in train new learning processes”

“CmiA-labelled Textiles will offer consumers values-based purchasing options”

CmiA Officially Recognised by Two Relevant Sustainability Standards

The Aid by Trade Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Cotton Association (ICA)

Aid by Trade Foundation Publishes Annual Report for 2021

“Transparency in the textile supply chain is the future”

“With the current challenges around Organic Cotton, it is great to share an authentic and verified story”

Interview with Hansjörg Zeller and Nele Erdmann from atmosfair

“CmiA has shown itself to be highly reliable and accessible in these volatile and challenging times”

Cotton made in Africa Visits Partners in Africa

Cotton made in Africa Breaks Supply and Demand Records

Aid by Trade Foundation and Partners Invest EUR 2.8 Million in Climate Adaptation Project

Aid by Trade Foundation and Better Cotton form a new strategic collaboration for 2023

LPP Partners With Cotton made in Africa – Cotton Initiative Wins First Polish Partner

CmiA Regional Workshop in Lusaka

Cotton made in Africa Carbon Neutral: A New Initiative by the Aid by Trade Foundation for CO2-Neutral Cotton

The Aid by Trade Foundation is a member of the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles

Continued Growth for Cotton made in Africa

World Cotton Day: Study Shows Positive Influence of CmiA Training and Verification on the Lives of Small-Scale Farmers

CmiA Stakeholder Webinar Week 2021

CmiA Helps to Improve Educational Infrastructure: Study Confirms Positive Impacts of Community Projects

Greater Transparency Through Our Tracking System

Unprecedented Demand for Cotton made in Africa’s Cotton

The Environmental Footprint of Cotton made in Africa’s Cotton

Cotton made in Africa cooperates with the African Cotton Foundation

Lidl Backs Cotton made in Africa

Celebrity Support for Cotton made in Africa

Successful cooperation with African People & Wildlife in “Mama Asali” Women Beekeeping Project

A water project in Ethiopia

Aid by Trade Foundation publishes new verification report

Aid by Trade Foundation Supports Youth Education Centre in Tanzania

Hugo Boss Announces Partnership With Cotton made in Africa

CmiA Founder Prof. Dr. Michael Otto: “It is the courage and strength of our partners in Africa and around the world that spurs us on.”

Bottom UP: Anchoring environmental and social standards in the Ethiopian textile industry

Cotton made in Africa and Motsi Mabuse strengthen women’s rights in sub-Saharan Africa

A hashtag for sustainability

CmiA Cotton Producers Visit Textile Industry in Turkey

CmiA and the Sustainable Development Goals

#BathrobeChallenge from Cotton made in Africa

All Signs on Growth at Cotton made in Africa

Cotton made in Africa with record successes

Motsi Mabuse Becomes Ambassador for Cotton made in Africa

World Water Day: Cotton made in Africa Saves About 63 Billion Litres of Water

Female Smallholder Farmers in Africa are True Multi-Talents

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development invests up to 8 million euros in sustainable cotton production in Africa

Laura Chaplin Unveils Her First Exclusive Bed Linen Set to the Public

Clean Drinking Water, Toilets and 10,000 Hygiene Ambassadors Improve Living Conditions in Zimbabwe

Otto Group With its Frontrunner bonprix, Tchibo and the REWE Group Biggest Buyers of Cotton made in Africa Cotton

Cotton made in Africa Achieves Record Revenues

Visiting Laura Chaplin at Home