The cotton value chain: Improving its sustainability, inclusiveness and value adding capabilities: Italy-Egypt collaborative sustainability-based innovation

Abstract

In response to the challenges posed by sustainable development, and in line with the 2030 agenda which promotes the multi-stakeholder approach as one which can help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable development of the textile industry and increase the cotton sector’s contribution to the Egyptian economy, employment and manufacturing value added and export growth. This will be done by actively engaging the private sector (CSR, investors, partners, mentors, etc.), developing business partnerships, and leveraging non-traditional funding. Moreover, as the proposed project puts the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth at the centre of its action, particular emphasis is placed on addressing economic and social inclusiveness and active involvement of vulnerable groups (poor, women, youth, rural communities). The project will help to improve the farming environment (non-toxic and biodiverse), develop sector-specific technical and entrepreneurial opportunities, and capture business opportunities in national and international markets, thus contributing to better and more secure livelihoods for target beneficiaries and their households. Final consumers, in national and international markets, will also benefit indirectly from the proposed project as a result of efforts to preserve the quality and sustainability of Egyptian cotton and strengthen its competitiveness. Important innovation resulting from the collaborative partnership of Egypt and Italy will create new scenarios and concept design.