Lidl Switzerland Introduces Cotton Made in Africa Certified Clothing

Supporting Sustainable Cotton and African Farmers

Lidl Switzerland, the Swiss branch of the global supermarket chain, has announced the launch of Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) certified clothing across its stores. The initiative promotes cotton produced in sub-Saharan Africa under sustainable conditions that both protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.

“We are offering our customers a clear orientation and the opportunity to make an active contribution to improving the living conditions of African cotton farmers and their families while protecting the environment,” said Andreas Zufelde, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Lidl Switzerland.

The new clothing collection includes bed linen, pyjamas, T-shirts, leggings, briefs, socks, and jumpers, all made from eco-friendly CmiA-certified cotton.

Expanding Ethical Sourcing in Global Retail

This milestone follows Lidl Group’s membership in the Cotton made in Africa initiative in February 2020, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to reducing its ecological footprint. The German retail giant, which operates 7,839 stores in 26 countries and employs 315,000 people, is increasingly integrating sustainability into its global supply chain.

Cotton Made in Africa: Promoting Sustainable Farming

Founded in 2005 by the Aid by Trade Foundation, with support from GIZ, NGOs, and corporate partners, the CmiA programme works to integrate sustainably grown African cotton into the international textile market. The initiative trains smallholder farmers in environmentally responsible and resource-efficient cultivation techniques — helping them conserve soil and water, increase yields, and improve income stability.

By 2014, the programme had produced 160,000 tonnes of eco-cotton, representing around 15% of total cotton production in sub-Saharan Africa. When CmiA celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015, it had reached 650,000 smallholder farmers across ten African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, and Zambia.

Lidl’s introduction of CmiA-certified products underscores the growing global shift toward sustainable textile sourcing and demonstrates how responsible retail partnerships can empower African farmers while delivering high-quality, eco-friendly products to consumers.