Changing the narrative on Africa.
In The Gambia’s Central River Region, women are growing, spinning and weaving cotton into products that earn income and sustain cultural traditions. Their work offers a starting point for a wider revival of a sector that once supported thousands of rural farmers.
COP31’s focus on delivery will fail Africa if climate finance and technology continue to be designed externally. International resources must strengthen locally developed knowledge, institutions and productive capacity.
Benin is seeking investment to turn more of its cotton, cashews, shea and soybeans into finished products. Discussions at an investment forum in Cotonou highlighted what that expansion will require: reliable electricity, stronger African trading networks and support for local businesses to attract funding.
Africa’s urban growth offers a chance to build stronger economies, better infrastructure and more inclusive cities. Ahead of World Cities Day on 31 October, Hastings Chikoko argues that realising this potential will require smarter planning, credible investment projects and local governments with the authority and resources to deliver.
Women cotton farmers in Zimbabwe’s Shamva district are turning to sewing and collective savings to diversify their incomes and adapt to a changing climate. Making school uniforms and taking clothing orders, they are creating earning opportunities beyond the crop they call their “white gold”.
At Kirinyaga University, researchers are testing whether Kenya can produce quality Bt cotton seed locally. The trials could help improve supply and lower costs, but taking the research to farmers will require commercial investment and support across the cotton value chain.
Cotton farmers in Togo are rebuilding their soils, reporting higher yields and reducing pesticide applications as regenerative practices take root.
As World Cotton Day approaches on 7 October, Africa has an opportunity to consider how its cotton industry can contribute more to agricultural development, employment and economic growth. The opportunity extends far beyond producing and exporting raw cotton.
An offline-capable farming app is putting field-specific crop recommendations, planting calendars, weather alerts and financial records into farmers’ hands. Its Zimbabwean developer believes the technology could make precision farming more accessible across the continent.
In Cameroon’s northern cotton belt, growers are combining carefully controlled seed multiplication with trees, crop residue and water-conserving field design to improve yields and withstand dry spells.