The African Cotton Sector: Old and New Conundrums

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the African cotton sector, namely on a sector in which Africa has a comparative advantage. The objective is to provide an overview of the sector, setting off with a critical illustration of the cotton value chain to allow for the key factors and frailties of the African sector to emerge. In light of these, old and new hurdles to the flourishing of the sector are unfolded: starting from the evolution of its industrial organization through reforms and relative short runs, to the current pressing issues related to sustainability and climate change. These are seen as policy action areas where opportunities for development emerge.