Abidjan gathers textile care innovators to shape africa’s industrial future

Abidjan’s economic heartland is hosting the third edition of the African Forum for Textile Care Professionals (FAPET), bringing together industry leaders from across the continent to tackle the critical challenges and opportunities in modernizing Africa’s textile maintenance sector.

The three-day event, taking place from May 20 to 22, 2026, in the Plateau district, centers on the theme ‘structuring, ecological transition, and innovation: steering sustainable industrialization in Africa’s textile care sector.’ The opening ceremony was led by Soro Mamadou, representing the president of the Economic, Social, Environmental, and Cultural Council (CESEC).

Speaking on behalf of the CESEC president, Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé emphasized the sector’s growing significance in Africa’s economic development. Once regarded as a secondary industry, textile care has emerged as a key driver of job creation, environmental protection, and service enhancement across vital sectors such as healthcare and tourism.

“Africa must build its own value chains, upgrade its infrastructure, and professionalize its workforce to meet international standards,” Soro Mamadou told delegates, underscoring the urgency of transforming the continent’s textile care landscape.

Addressing sector-wide challenges

The forum highlighted persistent hurdles, including the informal nature of many operations, limited access to technical training, and financial constraints. Yoboué Célestin-Arthur, president of the African Federation of Textile Care Professionals (FAPET), stressed the need for accelerated ecological transition and stronger industry collaboration.

He commended the active involvement of regional leaders, including Fayçal Belaroussi, vice-president of FAPET and president of Algeria’s National Association of Pressing and Laundry Services, and M. Adebayo, president of the Fabricare Professionals and Dryclean Association.

Paving the way for industrialization and partnerships

Organizers aim to position this edition as a catalyst for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth, fostering knowledge-sharing, public-private partnerships, and the adoption of sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Discussions will focus on streamlining hospital, industrial, and household linen management, alongside strategies to industrialize Africa’s textile care sector.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst