Egypt & UNIDO Partner to Boost Sustainable Cotton Production

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry has launched the second phase of the Egyptian Cotton Project in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The initiative aims to strengthen sustainability across the entire cotton value chain, integrating environmental, economic and social improvements.

This latest phase seeks to advance the cotton industry from cultivation to textile production, enhancing competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. The Egyptian Cotton Project will provide institutional support and technical expertise, enabling the sector to meet international standards for sustainable production and contribute to the national economy. Egyptian cotton, a longstanding pillar of the country's economy, remains integral to the textile sector, impacting economic growth and employment from raw cotton production to garment manufacturing.

Building upon the initial phase, implemented from 2018 to 2021, the project’s second stage will further support cotton producers and industry stakeholders. In collaboration with Egypt’s Cotton Research Institute, efforts will focus on expanding cotton cultivation in areas such as Kafr El-Sheikh and Damietta, alongside training initiatives in both traditional and organic farming methods.

UNIDO’s Better Cotton certification, introduced in Egypt in 2020, marks the first sustainability standard specifically tailored to Egyptian cotton. This certification, which aligns with global sustainability goals, now encompasses 25% of global cotton production. Starting with 1,600 farmers, the Better Cotton initiative has since expanded to include 13,700 farmers across six governorates, with increased involvement from the private sector.

Recent data from Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) for fiscal year 2020/2021 indicated a total cotton cultivation area of 237,700 acres, with Kafr El-Sheikh alone accounting for 85,500 acres. Demand for Egyptian cotton continues to grow internationally, with India standing out as the largest importer as of August 2021.

The collaboration between Egypt and UNIDO underscores the importance of sustainable practices in the cotton industry, aiming to bolster production, enhance export potential, and strengthen Egypt's position in the global textile market.