Abidjan hosts African textile care leaders to boost sustainable industrialization

The economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire is currently hosting a landmark event that brings together textile care professionals from across Africa. The third edition of the African Forum of Textile Care Professionals (FAPET) kicked off on May 20, 2026, at the Abidjan-Plateau venue, uniting industry stakeholders to address critical challenges and opportunities in modernizing Africa’s textile care sector.

Sustainable industrialization takes center stage

The three-day forum, themed “Structuring, ecological transition and innovation: paving the way for sustainable industrialization of textile care in Africa”, was inaugurated with the presence of Soro Mamadou, representative of the President of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC).

Addressing delegates on behalf of CESEC President Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé, Soro Mamadou emphasized that textile care has evolved from being perceived as a secondary activity to becoming a key economic driver in African nations. He highlighted how this sector now significantly contributes to job creation, environmental protection and service quality enhancement across vital industries like healthcare and tourism.

The CESEC representative stressed the urgent need for African countries to develop homegrown value chains, upgrade infrastructure and professionalize occupations to meet international standards. “Our continent must take control of its textile care destiny by building robust systems that align with global best practices”, he asserted during the opening ceremony.

Industry leaders identify critical growth barriers

Yoboué Célestin-Arthur, President of the African Federation of Textile Care Professionals (FAPET), outlined the sector’s most pressing challenges. Speaking to attendees, he pointed to persistent informality in operations, insufficient technical training opportunities, limited access to financing and the imperative to accelerate ecological transition processes.

The forum also recognized the valuable contributions of key industry figures including Fayçal Belaroussi, FAPET Vice-President and President of Algeria’s National Association of Pressing and Laundry Services, along with Mr. Adebayo, President of the Fabricare Professionals and Dryclean Association.

Strategic focus on hospital and industrial linen management

Running through May 22, 2026, this year’s FAPET edition places special emphasis on optimizing the management of hospital, industrial and household linen. Discussions will explore pathways to industrialize Africa’s textile care sector through experience-sharing platforms, public-private partnerships and promotion of contemporary, eco-friendly practices.

The organizers are particularly focused on transforming this event into a catalyst for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development while serving as a model for other African nations seeking to modernize their textile care industries.