Initiatives launched in Ethiopia over the past three years to boost cotton productivity and quality have significantly increased foreign currency earnings while also meeting domestic consumption needs, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

By focusing on modern farming techniques, the government has positioned cotton as a dual contributor to the economy, underpinning local industries while generating vital export revenue.

The country has an estimated three million hectares of land suitable for cotton cultivation, offering considerable room for sectoral growth, according to ENA, a partner of TV BRICS.

To further develop the industry, a national coalition of stakeholders has been created to strengthen the value chain. Investors and associations are working to expand cultivation, enhance production standards and modernise ginning factories, while also encouraging producers to sell directly to both domestic and international markets.

This year, Ethiopia is forecasting a harvest of around 71,000 metric tonnes of cotton from 113,000 hectares, marking an important step in consolidating its role in the global textile industry.

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