In the heart of West Africa lies a treasure that has woven communities together for centuries: cotton.

This humble fibre has travelled from the fields of dedicated farmers to global fashion runways, threading together history, culture, and industry. In 2024, five countries stood out as the continent’s cotton powerhouses, each contributing to the story of growth and resilience.

1. Benin: The Silent Champion
Benin, with its rich, loamy soils and year-round sunshine, emerged as the leading cotton producer in West Africa in 2024, boasting an impressive 730,000 metric tonnes. Over the past decade, government policies favouring farmer cooperatives and improved seeds helped the country outpace its neighbours. Cotton farming employs over 300,000 farmers, supporting approximately 2 million people in rural areas.

2. Burkina Faso: Pioneering Biotech Cotton
Close behind Benin, Burkina Faso harvested 610,000 metric tonnes of cotton in 2024. Once a pioneer in genetically modified cotton, Burkina Faso refocused on conventional methods in response to quality concerns. Despite challenges, cotton remains the backbone of the economy, accounting for 15 per cent of export earnings and supporting 700,000 smallholder farmers.

3. Mali: The Economic Anchor
Mali produced 560,000 metric tonnes of cotton in 2024, recovering from disruptions caused by political instability. The cotton sector accounts for 40 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs nearly 3 million people. Initiatives like the 2022 Cotton Sector Revitalisation Plan have reinvigorated the industry, emphasising sustainability and farmer welfare.

4. Côte d’Ivoire: Diversified Growth
Côte d’Ivoire’s cotton production surged to 510,000 metric tons in 2024, spurred by mechanisation and private-sector investment. Known for its diversified agricultural base, the country views cotton as both a strategic export crop and a driver of local textile industries, which employ thousands of women and youth.

5. Chad: Rising from the Shadows
Chad, often overshadowed by its oil industry, made remarkable strides in cotton farming, producing 420,000 metric tons in 2024. The relaunch of Cotontchad in 2020 and international partnerships have revitalised this sector, which now contributes 10 per cent to GDP and sustains 500,000 farmers.

Cotton’s Broader Impact
Across these countries, cotton is more than just a crop—it’s a lifeline. From the ginning factories in Mali to the spinning mills in Côte d’Ivoire, the industry creates jobs and fosters innovation. Exports from these five countries reached a combined value of $2.5 billion in 2024, providing crucial foreign exchange reserves.

Yet, challenges loom: climate change, fluctuating global prices, and outdated infrastructure threaten this critical sector. However, the resilience of West Africa’s cotton farmers and the strategic interventions of governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) offer hope for a sustainable future.