GOTS Conference Addis Ababa 2022 - Towards An African Value Chain

The conference will hold alongside the 8th Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week. The day long event will bring together stakeholders across the organic textile supply chain from Africa and the global community.

REGISTRATION (9:00 - 9:45)

Opening Address (9:45-9:50):

Welcome Addresses (9:50 - 10:00): Claudia Kersten and Rahul Bhajekar; GOTS Managing Directors

SESSION 1: Panel Discussion on Organic Fiber Production in Africa (10:00 - 11:00)

Moderator: Jeffrey Thimm; GOTS Organic Production Specialist

This session will discuss organic fiber production in Africa and issues of quantity, quality, global best practices, and potential. The session will focus on the perspective of African producers.

Coffee Break (11:00 - 11:45)

SESSION 2: Presentation and Q&A: GOTS – The King’s Road to Sustainable Textiles (11:45 - 13:15)

Presenter: Muktar Dodo; GOTS Representative in Africa

This session will provide an overview on the GOTS system; organic fibers, ecological and social criteria, all processing stages, and verification process. Implementation of the standard and the credibility of the GOTS label will be discussed, a question and answer session will follow.

Networking Lunch (13:15 - 14:30)

SESSION 3: Showcase: From Field to Fashion Africa – African Organic Textile Stories (14:30 - 16:00)

Moderator: Herbert Ladwig; GOTS Former Managing Director

This session will showcase a line-up of GOTS certified products made in Africa to highlight the potential of a complete African value chain.

Coffee Break (16:00 - 16:30)

SESSION 4: Panel Discussion: The Buyers View (16:30 - 17:45)

Moderator: Franziska Dormann; GOTS Representative to Global Brands

Panelists will be representatives of global brands and buying houses. The session will discuss issues of sourcing, integrity, traceability, quality, and social accountability.

Summing up and Closing (17:45 - 18:00)