Abidjan becomes hub for textile care industry transformation
Abidjan’s Plateau district has been transformed this week into a strategic meeting point for African textile care professionals. The third edition of the African Forum of Textile Care Professionals (FAPET) kicked off on May 20, 2026, bringing together industry leaders from across the continent to tackle critical challenges in modernizing Africa’s textile care sector.
Sustainability, innovation and industry growth take center stage at this high-level gathering, which operates under the theme: “Structuring, ecological transition and innovation: steering sustainable industrialization of textile care in Africa.”
The opening ceremony was led by Soro Mamadou, representing the president of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC). Addressing delegates, he emphasized the sector’s growing significance: “Textile care is no longer a secondary activity — it now drives job creation, environmental protection and service quality in key sectors like healthcare and tourism.”
Industry leaders call for stronger value chains
Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé, speaking on behalf of the CESEC president, highlighted Africa’s need to develop its own value chains, upgrade infrastructure and professionalize textile care services to meet global standards.
The forum also addressed persistent hurdles facing the industry, as outlined by Yoboué Célestin-Arthur, president of the Federation of African Textile Care Professionals (FAPET). Key challenges include:
- Informal sector dominance: Many operators lack formal recognition and compliance with industry standards
- Skill gaps: Limited access to technical training and certified programs
- Financial barriers: Difficulty securing investment for modernization and expansion
- Green transition urgency: Need for eco-friendly practices and sustainable technologies
International collaboration was a recurring theme, with strong endorsements from regional leaders such as Fayçal Belaroussi, vice president of FAPET and head of Algeria’s National Association of Laundries and Dry Cleaners, and Adebayo, president of the Fabricare Professionals and Dryclean Association.
Strategic focus on healthcare and industrial linen
The three-day event, running from May 20 to 22, 2026, places special emphasis on optimizing the management of hospital, industrial and household linen. Discussions will explore pathways to industrialize the textile care sector, leveraging public-private partnerships and knowledge-sharing to drive sustainable growth.
By prioritizing innovation, training and environmental accountability, FAPET 2026 aims to position Ivory Coast as a model for textile care industrialization in Africa — supporting economic development while meeting global sustainability goals.