Cotton is the most important cash crop and is produced in a moderate climate, suitable to even arid and semi-arid soils. Cotton production is very important in the developing countries of Africa for their agricultural and economic growth. The Cotton industry is important for around 80 countries in the world, out of which 28 are in Africa. Cotton farming can be done with low technological farming as well as with the use of advanced farming. Its production is labor- intensive, and can easily be done in the African region.

Market Dynamics

The cotton production in Africa was high during the past decades and was at its peak in 2004-5 but in the past few years, the production has fallen drastically. Cotton production is greatly affected by international price fluctuations and cotton subsidies. The crop accounts for 5% of the global export by Africa. Burkina Faso dominates the production and export of cotton in the region, with a total export of 1.2 million metric tons in 2015-16, followed by Mali and Cote d’Ivoir. The country produced a total of 700,000 metric tons of cotton, up 50,000 metric tons from the previous year. However, the harvest has reduced slightly from the previous year in the country.

Key Players in the African Cotton Market

The major suppliers in the region are African Cotton Industries Ltd., West African Cotton Co. Ltd., and Gwadon & Co. Sarl, among others. These companies are actively participating in the entire value chain from sourcing, shipping, and logistics management to marketing and distribution, placing significant emphasis on the quality of the cotton.

The African cotton crop market report covers the following information –

• Cotton production
• Africa consumption
• Africa trade (export-import) scenario and statistics
• Major enterprises and traders operating in the market
• Price trend and seasonality of the crop
• Future outlook of the crop market

Stakeholders who would benefit -

• Cotton growers
• Enterprises providing agricultural inputs
• Traders and companies operating in the segment
• Crop processing companies
• Crop importers and exporters
• Investors/research institutions interested in the crop market