Abidjan is once again the epicenter of a critical conversation about Africa’s textile care sector. Since May 20, 2026, the city’s Plateau district has played host to the third edition of the African Forum of Textile Care Professionals (FAPET), bringing together stakeholders from across the continent to explore pathways for modernization and sustainable industrial growth.

a vision for industrial transformation

The three-day event, held under the theme “Structuring, ecological transition, and innovation: steering sustainable industrialization in Africa’s textile care sector”, was inaugurated in the presence of Soro Mamadou, representing the president of the Economic, Social, Environmental, and Cultural Council (CESEC).

Addressing the forum, Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé, speaking on behalf of Soro Mamadou, emphasized that the textile care industry is no longer a secondary sector but a key driver of economic development. He highlighted its expanding role in job creation, environmental stewardship, and service enhancement across vital sectors such as healthcare and hospitality.

“Africa must forge its own value chains, upgrade its infrastructure, and professionalize its workforce to meet global standards,” Soro Mamadou stated firmly, addressing delegates from over a dozen African nations.

key challenges and collaborative solutions

Discussions also shed light on persistent sectoral hurdles, including widespread informality, limited access to technical training, financial constraints, and the urgent need for ecological transition.

Yoboué Célestin-Arthur, president of the African Federation of Textile Care Professionals (FAPET), called for collective action. He praised the involvement of regional leaders such as Fayçal Belaroussi, vice president of FAPET and head of Algeria’s National Association of Laundries and Dry Cleaners, and Mr. Adebayo, president of the Fabricare Professionals and Dryclean Association.

building a future-ready industry

With a strong focus on Côte d’Ivoire’s economic aspirations, the forum aims to serve as a catalyst for sectoral development through knowledge sharing, public-private partnerships, and the adoption of modern, eco-friendly practices.

The event, running from May 20 to 22, 2026, will prioritize discussions on hospital, industrial, and household linen management, alongside strategies for scaling up industrialization in Africa’s textile care industry.