Zim to host Africa cotton congress

ones held in Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Cameroon and Sudan.
ACA was formed in Cotonou, Benin, in September 2002 to protect the interests of African cotton producers.
Mr Buka said the annual congress would enable local and international cotton stakeholders to meet and share experiences.
“It is expected that about 150 delegates will attend the Victoria Falls congress.
“This is a great opportunity for organisations and business executives in Africa and from other parts of the world to meet and establish networks,” he said.
All African member countries as well as supporting partners from Australia, Belgium, China, France and United States are expected to attend. Mr Buka said the association played an advocacy role in defence of African cotton interests, especially against unjust subsidies and trade barriers in some cotton producing countries.
“The ACA focuses its attention on the implementation of alliance strategies with other cotton growing countries affected by unfair trade practices, and facilitates a forum for members to dialogue and exchange ideas in cotton growing techniques, ginning, logistics and trade issues,” he said.
He said there will be various presentations by experts from the International Cotton Advisory Committee, Cotton Outlook as well as from renowned international cotton consultants. Zimbabwe is one of the major producers of the white gold on the continent, and cotton is the country’s second biggest foreign currency earner after tobacco.
Locally, cotton is a source of livelihood for over 300 000 households, mostly in the drier parts of the country. — New Ziana.