Global Organic Textile Standards welcomed 112 attendees from 21 countries, the majority of them from Africa, at the first GOTS Conference in Africa, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Africa is still trying to make its mark in the textile sector. Entrepreneurs in the continent need to know the change in buyers’ preference for sustainable textiles.
The conference, themed “Toward an African Value Chain” brought together producers, processors, brands, and certification partners for discussions, problem-solving, and networking.
The GOTS was developed by leading standard setters to define worldwide recognized requirements for organic textiles.
GOTS is the worldwide leading standard for organic textile production to certify manufacturers. It certifies Textiles Exporters, Weavers, Traders, Processors, Sizing, and Spinning.
Topics covered during the conference included identifying gaps in the supply chain, highlighting opportunities and partners for collaboration, and increasing awareness of certified organic products within the African market.
The conference was an important step in establishing the growing market in Africa.
GOTS Representative in Africa, Muktar Dodo said the conference helped to initiate discussions among the various groups of stakeholders and of course an understanding of each other’s needs in the market. He expressed pleasure and satisfaction that these exchanges have begun the process of developing a robust African organic textiles value chain.
Moving forward, GOTS will continue to foster this important developing market by actively engaging and facilitating connections between brands, certified entities, and other players who support organic fiber production in Africa.
