Abuja — The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the World Trade Organisation have inked an initiative to mobilise $12 billion in investments for West Africa's developing cotton and textile countries.
The key goals of the initiative include improving access to energy, enhancing skills, creating sustainable jobs, particularly for women and youth and supporting infrastructure projects to develop the cotton-to-textile/apparel value chain in the region. UNIDO's Director General Gerd Müller said:"Our shared goal is fair and sustainable local cotton processing to create decent jobs and economic growth in the region. What we need is to also work towards establishing a 'blue button' seal to promote sustainable and fairly produced textiles around the world.