African leaders and policymakers have unveiled an ambitious plan to end the continent’s heavy dependence on imported cotton products, with African Export-Import Bank outlining a strategy to transform Africa from a raw cotton exporter into a global textile manufacturing hub.
Speaking at the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Afreximbank President George Elombi revealed that Africa currently spends about $50 billion annually importing cotton-based goods that could be produced locally. The figure highlights a long-standing structural imbalance where the continent exports raw materials but imports finished products at significantly higher value.
The strategy presented focuses on reversing that model by building local processing capacity across multiple countries. Instead of exporting raw cotton at low prices, African nations are being encouraged to develop textile and garment industries that can capture more value within the continent.
This approach is already showing results in countries like Benin, where a shift toward local processing has dramatically increased export earnings. According to Afreximbank, cotton that previously generated around $40 million annually as raw exports has been transformed into finished goods generating close to $800 million through industrial processing. The example is now being positioned as a blueprint for replication across Africa.
At the core of the plan is the development of special economic zones dedicated to cotton processing. These zones are being rolled out in countries including Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, with further discussions ongoing in other economies such as Nigeria and Kenya. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, a major industrial developer in which Afreximbank holds a significant stake.
The broader goal is to integrate Africa more effectively into the global cotton value chain by shifting from primary production to value addition. Experts note that while cotton production contributes significantly to GDP and foreign exchange earnings in several African countries, the textile and garment sector remains underdeveloped due to limited processing capacity and infrastructure gaps.
By expanding industrial capacity, the plan aims to create jobs, boost exports and reduce reliance on imports. It also aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to enhance intra-African trade and industrialisation.
The initiative comes at a time when global supply chains are being restructured and countries are increasingly prioritising local manufacturing. For Africa, this presents a strategic opportunity to leverage its raw material base while building competitive industries.
However, challenges remain. Analysts point to issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing, fluctuating global cotton prices and climate-related risks as potential obstacles to scaling the model across the continent.
There are also concerns about the pace of implementation. Transforming the cotton sector requires not only industrial investment but also improvements in logistics, technology adoption and skills development. Without coordinated policy support, the transition from raw exports to full-scale manufacturing could face delays.
Despite these hurdles, the plan signals a clear shift in Africa’s economic strategy. Rather than continuing to export raw materials with limited returns, policymakers are increasingly focused on building industries that can generate higher value and sustain long-term growth.
If successfully executed, the initiative could significantly reduce the continent’s import bill, strengthen its industrial base and reposition Africa as a key player in the global textile market.
For now, the message from Yaoundé is clear. Africa is no longer content with being a supplier of raw cotton. It is aiming to become a manufacturer.
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