Cotton remains one of Africa’s most strategic agricultural commodities, shaping rural livelihoods, export earnings, and industrial ambitions. In 2025, the sector is balancing strong opportunities with significant vulnerabilities, as West Africa’s highly organised systems sustain high output despite erratic rainfall and global price headwinds, while other regions face structural bottlenecks, climate shocks, and shifting policies.
According to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projections for the 2025/26 season, world cotton output will fall 1% to 118.4 million bales, still the second-highest total since 2017/18. Africa’s top ten producers together contribute over 6.3 million 480-lb bales, anchored by national systems that combine coordinated input supply, ginning capacity, and price support.
Top 10 African Cotton Producers 2025/26
1. Mali – Expected to harvest 1.30 million bales, up from 1.07 million last season, Mali has reclaimed its number-one spot. State-controlled CMDT, backed by CFA 150 billion in financing, ensures timely inputs, ginning, and farmer payments. Cotton ranks just behind gold in export earnings.
2. Benin – With 1.20–1.26 million bales, Benin maintains exceptional stability through the Association Interprofessionnelle du Coton (AIC), strict input coordination, and steady farm-gate prices. Cotton accounts for around 70% of agricultural export value.
3. Côte d’Ivoire – Producing 745,000 bales, the sector has rebounded from pest-related lows. The Conseil du Coton et de l’Anacarde (CCA) keeps prices stable and supports smallholder co-operatives, with over 90% of lint exported to Asia.
4. Cameroon – Forecast at 650,000 bales, Cameroon benefits from high yields (615 kg/ha) and the central role of SODECOTON in organising over 200,000 farmers. Cotton supports the livelihoods of nearly 2 million people in the north.
5. Burkina Faso – At 610,000 bales, the sector is recovering from recent lows despite security issues. Dominated by SOFITEX, SOCOMA, and FASO COTON, Burkina remains a major global supplier of high-quality lint.
6. Tanzania – Projected to produce 400,000 bales, Tanzania’s recovery is supported by improved weather and the Tanzania Cotton Board’s regulatory role. Cotton is the second-largest cash crop after cashew.
7. Nigeria – With 350,000 bales, Nigeria struggles with low yields, poor seed quality, and pest outbreaks. Cotton still supports up to 250,000 farming households but remains far from its historic highs.
8. Egypt – Producing 250,000–320,000 bales, Egypt’s world-famous Giza cotton faces reduced plantings due to stock overhang. Strong domestic textile growth is increasing lint imports.
9. Zimbabwe – At 225,000 bales, output has rebounded from last year’s drought-hit season. The Presidential Inputs Scheme remains central to supporting over 350,000 rural households.
10. Chad – Producing around 150,000 bales, Chad’s Cotontchad company coordinates inputs, ginning, and exports. Heavy reliance on rainfall and pests keeps yields volatile.
Top Cotton Producers in Africa 2025/2026
| Rank | Country | Production Volume |
| 1 | Mali | ~1.3 million bales |
| 2 | Benin | 1.20–1.26 million bales |
| 3 | Côte d’Ivoire | 745,000 bales |
| 4 | Cameroon | 650,000 bales |
| 5 | Burkina Faso | ~610,000 bales |
Outlook
While Africa’s cotton leaders demonstrate resilience through institutional strength and coordinated systems, the sector’s future depends on tackling climate risks, improving seed and pest management, and expanding domestic textile capacity. Sustained policy support and value addition could see Africa capture a larger share of the premium global cotton market.
20 years ago we were gifted 2 Tee’s in Tunisia. Certainly the softest, lightweigh cotton shirts I have ever worn.
Only now are tiny holes appearing. The yellow as vibrant as the day I unpacked and the stitching, not printing, as strong as when new.
We still have cotton garments from our former homeland which we left in 1991. The longevity of Zimbabwean 1980s cotton produced on farms since stolen by ZANU MPs was legendary.
That’s a wonderful story—thank you for sharing! It’s amazing how the quality and longevity of African cotton, from Tunisia to Zimbabwe, have stood the test of time. True craftsmanship never fades.
Thank you, Dirk, for sharing this fascinating personal experience.
High-quality cotton from regions like Tunisia and Zimbabwe has long been admired for its softness, durability, and exceptional fiber strength — your 20-year-old T-shirts are a perfect example of how good cotton and skilled manufacturing can stand the test of time.
Your comment also highlights an important point: when African cotton is grown, processed, and stitched under the right conditions, it can easily compete with the world’s best in both comfort and longevity.
If you have more stories or insights about textiles from Africa, we would be glad to hear them and share with our readers.
— Kohan Textile Journal Team