A new EU-funded project is set to launch today (7 June) in a move aimed at benefitting some 17,000 garment workers in Ethiopia by creating a sustainable, transparent and inclusive value chain.
Bottom Up will launch at the eighth edition of the International Conference on Cotton, Textile and Apparel value chain in Africa (CTA-19) which takes place 7-8 June at Bahir Dar University.
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The project has been developed by international civil society organisation Solidaridad, Cotton made in Africa, the Danish Ethical Trading Initiative (DIEH), and CSR Netherlands/MVO Nederland, the Centre of Excellence for Dutch companies that are striving towards corporate social responsibility.
It aims to benefit some 2,000 cotton farmers, 2,200 rural workers, and 17,000 garment workers.
The growing interest of international brands to source garments from Ethiopia provides an opportunity to develop the sector in a sustainable way, the founding parties say.
“The cotton and garments industry is the second most important growth sector for the Ethiopian government,” it adds. “However, a number of current challenges are hampering the projected growth of the industry and question the reputation of being a sustainable sourcing destination. The lack of a minimum wage that can ensure decent living conditions for workers is, for example, a major concern. Wages reported are as low as US$26 per month which is far below the World Bank poverty line.”
The aim of Bottom Up is to contribute to a value chain that generates business growth, improves working conditions, promotes labour and environmental standards and responsible purchasing practices in the cotton and textiles industry in Ethiopia and Europe by 2021.
To achieve this the partners will provide training and technical support to cotton farmers, commercial farms, and ginneries to comply with sustainable practices and standards.
The group will also facilitate direct links between European brands and Ethiopian factories for the uptake of sustainable cotton and provide technical support to factories to adopt sustainable practices.
In addition, potential international buyers will be informed about the opportunities and barriers for sourcing garments from Ethiopia and matchmaking sessions will be organised.
Looking ahead, a consumer campaign in Europe will be conducted to raise awareness on the issues in the garment industry, but also on positive developments.
