Cotton produced by the C4+ is among the most sustainable in the world, with minimal or no use of pesticides. Despite these advantages, the benefits of this resource remain largely unrealized in these countries due to their limited participation in the cotton value chain. Exports of cotton from the C4+ primarily consist of raw cotton lint due to a lack of processing facilities in these countries. Women and young people, who are major participants in this sector, continue to receive marginal gains, therefore.

The strategic objective of creating a modern textiles and garment industry in the C4+ would help to lay a strong foundation for their participation in the cotton value chain and for the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of the benefits would be to provide formal jobs, especially to women and young people.

Participation in the cotton value chain would benefit small-scale producers through greater involvement in transforming cotton and creating cotton-related products. Attracting investment in garment manufacturing would support the integration of the region into global value chains and facilitate better market access.

The strategic objectives of the C4+ Textiles and Garment Industry Development Policy include:

• enhancing the capability of the C4+ to transform cotton and participate more fully in the cotton value chain
• establishing a sustainable textiles and garment industry to integrate the C4+ into global and regional value chains
• attracting foreign direct investment in modern textile and garment factories to make the region a competitive hub for sourcing textiles and garments in West Africa
• generating formal employment opportunities for C4+ youth, especially women, and fostering industrial skill creation
• fostering sustainability along the value chain from cotton to the creation of garments.