In a recent visit to Mali's Kita region, Dr. Kouloumégué Dembélé, CEO of the Malian Company for Textile Development (CMDT), inspected the construction site of the Kokofata ginning factory. The factory, located about 60 kilometers from Kita, was initially set to be completed within 18 months after the laying of its first stone in December 2023. However, technical and administrative difficulties have caused several interruptions, significantly delaying the project. The site spans 50 hectares, with 25 hectares fenced, and includes offices, staff housing, a cafeteria, an infirmary, and a place of worship.
Dr. Dembélé expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and the mobilization of the local population during his visit. He acknowledged that the initial schedule had not been met due to the encountered challenges. The CEO also visited a cotton farm owned by Aboudou Togola in Kita, where he assessed the state of the crops and appreciated the quality of the cotton. He offered advice on good harvesting and conservation practices, essential for preserving the quality of the fiber.
The ginning factory's relaunch is seen as a significant prospect for local cotton producers. Beyond the creation of an industrial infrastructure, the goal is to bring ginning capacities closer to production basins, support cotton growers, and strengthen the Kita region's position in the national cotton economy. The project is expected to enhance the region's economic contribution to the country's cotton industry.
Local authorities, including Kita region's governor, Daouda Maïga, welcomed the project's progress. Maïga noted that the second ginning factory in the region would boost cotton transformation capacities and consolidate Kita's position in the cotton sector. The president of the Kokofata cotton producers' union, Diala Moussa Dembélé, called for the rapid completion of the factory and highlighted challenges faced during the campaign, such as issues with input supply and delayed payments.
Dr. Dembélé assured that arrangements have been made to secure input supplies for the next campaign, with a stock already built up. This preparation aims to mitigate the impact of geopolitical tensions and climate change effects on cotton production. The CMDT CEO praised the resilience of producers in the face of difficulties, including pockets of drought, and noted that good input management and the use of organic fertilizer had helped maintain a satisfactory production level.
The CMDT delegation also engaged with local populations and stakeholders to gather concerns and discuss improvement avenues. The visit demonstrated the company's commitment to listening to producers and addressing their challenges. The project's advancement has been positively received by local communities, who anticipate benefits from the factory's operations.
The relaunch of the Kokofata ginning factory is a key development for Mali's cotton sector, which is crucial to the country's economy. With the project's expected completion, the Kita region is poised to increase its contribution to the national cotton industry, and local producers are optimistic about the benefits the factory will bring.
Key points
- CMDT to relaunch Kokofata ginning factory in Mali's Kita region
- The factory's completion is expected to boost cotton transformation capacities and support local producers
- The project aims to bring ginning capacities closer to production basins and strengthen the Kita region's position in the national cotton economy
