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. The Ethical Fashion Forum had brought together representatives from the textile and fashion industry in order to draw public attention to the issue of African fashion and production.
Besides CmiA about 30 participants had been invited to the British Upper House to present the best fashion business practices in Africa. CSR, sourcing and buying professionals from retailers such as ASOS, Burberry and Roland Mouret, as well as representatives from industry bodies, networks, smaller businesses and entrepreneurs gave vivid insights into their work and experiences.
Stephan Engel, Managing Director at the Aid by Trade Foundation, who presented the approach of Cotton made in Africa said: “Exchanging ideas and practices with all those retailers and organisations was a fantastic opportunity for us to call attention to CmiA in Britain.” The initiative intends to take sustainably produced African cotton out of its niche and into the mass market. Abi Rushton, Associate Director to the Aid by Trade Foundation, commented: „The UK market is one of the leaders in ethical consumerism and offers great potential for the initiative and the smallholder farmers who work with it.”