4th
Edition
4
Days
6
Tracks
B2B
Trade Meeting
30+
Countries
800yr
Historic venue
About the conference
The Egyptian Cotton Research Institute (CRI) and the African Chamber of Trade & Commerce (ACC) host the 4th edition of FICOTA — the first ever held in the MENA region. Cairo, one of Africa's most storied cotton-producing cities, provides the perfect backdrop for this landmark gathering.From seed science and sustainable farming to AI-driven machinery, ethical fashion, and carbon markets — FICOTA 2026 covers the full value chain and welcomes everyone in the industry.
Looking back
FICOTA 2024 - 3rd Edition
The 3rd edition of FICOTA took place 9–12 July 2024 at Ngoye Beach, Kribi, Cameroon under the theme: "White Gold Revolution: Reshaping Africa Through Sustainable Cotton and Textiles." Organized under the patronage of the Government of Cameroon, Kribi Urban Council, and ICAC, it gathered national and international experts, investors, artisans, cotton farmers and professionals from across the value chain.
Keynote — Eric Trachtenberg, ICAC
Executive Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee delivered the keynote address on the future of global cotton markets.
30+ Countries represented
Delegates from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas gathered under one roof to shape the future of cotton.
AFP Designer Competition & Gala Night
Spectacular catwalk showcasing African cotton in garments and accessories — celebrating employment and wealth creation through design.
Women in Cotton Finance Roundtable
Pioneering roundtable on sustainable banking and finance access for women across the cotton & textiles value chain.
2024 Speakers included
Mary Concilia Anchang
Founder & Chairperson, ACC
Jean-Roland Onana Nkoa
UNESCO Regional Office, Central Africa
Bintou S. Diallo
Cultural Industries Expert, AfDB
Keshav Kranthi
Chief Scientist, ICAC
Dr. Guntram Kruger
Senior Researcher, Textechno Germany
Conference Venue
An unforgettable setting
FICOTA 2026 takes place inside one of the ancient wonders of Cairo — where 800 years of history meet the future of global textiles.
Citadel of Saladin
A medieval fortress perched above Cairo, offering dramatic open-air courtyards, grand halls, and 360° views of the city skyline — the most extraordinary conference backdrop on the continent.
Historic landmark
800+ year-old fortress, iconic skyline views, medieval stone architecture
Open-air catwalk
Evening fashion show against the Citadel walls at golden hour
5 dedicated zones
Exhibition halls, innovation pavilion, B2B courts, conference chambers
01
Grand Exhibition Hall
Product booths, eco-fabric gallery, textile displays
02
Innovation Pavilion
AI demos, smart textiles, startup showcases
03
Citadel Catwalk
Open-air runway, gala night, AFP designers competition
04
B2B Trade Court
Private meetings, networking, investor & B2G talks
05
Conference Chambers
Plenary sessions, scientific papers, workshops
Conference Tracks
Six tracks. Something for everyone.
Click any track to see the full roundtable structure with moderator, panelists, and participants.
Moderator
TBC — Senior Agronomist
Egyptian Cotton Research Institute / ICAC
Panelists
TBC — Cotton Breeding Expert
International Research Institute · Africa
TBC — Irrigation Technology Expert
MENA Water Management Authority
Participants
Cotton farmers' associations associations
Representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon
Track 01
R&D
Cotton Production & Research
-
Cotton breeding, biotechnology & seed science
-
Soil health, fertility & crop rotation
-
Water-efficient irrigation techniques
-
Pest management & biodiversity strategies
-
Enhancing farmer livelihoods & recycling
For:
Researchers · Agronomists · Farmers
Moderator
TBC — AI in Manufacturing Expert
Machinery Engineering Faculty · Egypt
Panelists
TBC — Textile Automation Specialist
European Textile Machinery Association
TBC — Nanotechnology Researcher
Smart Textiles Lab · South Africa
Participants
Factory owners & machine buyers
Manufacturers across Africa & MENA interested in upgrading
Track 03
Technology
Textile Machinery, AI & Innovation
-
Automation in textile & yarn production
-
AI & mechatronics in smart textiles
-
Nanotechnology applications in fabrics
-
3D scanning systems in textile design
-
Industry 4.0 in African manufacturing
For:
Engineers · Tech companies · Manufacturers
Moderator
TBC — Fashion Industry Expert
African Fashion Project (AFP)
Panelists
TBC — International Sustainable Designer
Sustainable collections · Europe / Africa
TBC — Afro-MENA Heritage Designer
Cultural textile traditions · Egypt / Cameroon
Participants
Fashion students, brands & buyers
Emerging designers, retail brands, textile buyers from global markets
Track 05
Fashion
Fashion, Design & Culture
-
Global fashion trends & sustainability
-
International & regional designer showcases
-
Afro-MENA folklore fashion parades
-
AFP Designers competition — Gala Night
-
Ethical fashion & responsible sourcing
For:
Designers · Brands · Fashion students
Moderator
TBC — ESG & Carbon Markets Expert
African Carbon Exchange Initiative
Panelists
TBC — Clean Technology Specialist
EU Textile Sustainability Initiative
TBC — Supply Chain Lead
Bizpando / Global Compliance Platform
Participants
Textile manufacturers & exporters
Industry leaders seeking ESG certification & carbon credits
Track 02
Sustainability
Sustainability & Environment
-
Sustainable cotton production practices
-
Eco-friendly dyeing & finishing processes
-
Clean tech & carbon footprint reduction
-
Supply chain transparency & efficiency
-
Carbon credits & African carbon markets
-
Training, certification & ESG compliance
For:
Researchers · Agronomists · Farmers
Moderator
TBC — Cotton Market Economist
ICAC Statistical Division
Panelists
TBC — Logistics & Infrastructure Expert
African Trade Logistics Network
TBC — Trade Policy Specialist
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Participants
Cotton traders, brokers & exporters
Private sector representatives from Afro-MENA supply chains
Track 04
Trade
Cotton Trade & Supply Chain
-
Cotton market statistics & price volatility
-
Infrastructure & logistics in cotton trade
-
International trade agreements & policies
-
B2B meetings & investment opportunities
-
Enhancing global market competitiveness
For:
Traders · Investors · Government officials
Moderator
TBC — Women in Finance Champion
African Development Bank / Gender Division
Panelists
TBC — Sustainable Finance Expert
Impact Investment Fund · East Africa
TBC — Women Cotton Entrepreneur
Soil Sisters Network · West Africa
TBC — Gender & Trade Law Specialist
OAALaw — Onambele-Anchang
Participants
Women-led cotton & textile enterprises
Farmers, manufacturers, designers and traders from across Africa & MENA
Financial institutions & banks
Microfinance, impact investors providing solutions for women
Track 06
Women & Finance
Women in Cotton & Sustainable Finance
-
Access to sustainable banking & finance
-
Women's empowerment & leadership
-
Equal opportunities in the value chain
-
Skills development & capacity building
-
Roundtable: Women from seed to fashion
For:
Women leaders · Development partners · Banks
Conference Tracks
FICOTA is built for everyone
If your work touches cotton, textiles, fashion, trade, or sustainability anywhere along the value chain — this conference was designed with you in mind.
Cotton Farmers
Capacity-building workshops & sustainable farming best practices
Researchers
Present scientific papers, posters & cutting-edge findings
Manufacturers
Explore new machinery, automation & production technologies
Fashion Designers
Showcase sustainable collections on the Citadel Catwalk
Investors
African textile market opportunities & B2G meetings
Young Scientists
Special discounted registration for emerging talent
Trade Specialists
Cotton market analysts, supply chain & logistics experts
Women Leaders
Dedicated roundtable on sustainable finance & empowerment
Exporters & Traders
B2B matchmaking & global market access sessions
Craftspeople
Showcase traditional Afro-MENA textile heritage & craft
Government Officials
Policy discussions, trade agreements & regional cooperation
Development Partners
UNDP, NGOs & international organisations driving impact
Programme overview
Four days. Unforgettable.
November - Day 1
16
Sector Overview & Markets
-
Cotton sector overview & expert panels
-
Identifying barriers & market challenges
-
B2B meetings — cotton stakeholders
-
Sustainable farming practices sessions
-
Supply chain management discussions
-
Welcome reception & networking
-
Scientific papers & poster presentations
-
Textile processing innovations
-
AI & machinery technology showcase
-
Sustainability & carbon markets roundtable
-
Women in cotton finance roundtable
-
Exhibition & innovation pavilion open
November - Day 2
17
Research & Innovation Day
November - Day 3
18
Exhibition, Seminars & Gala
-
Exhibitors showcase — all booths open
-
Expert seminars inside exhibition hall
-
B2B & B2G matchmaking sessions
-
AFP Designers competition finals
-
Citadel Catwalk — open-air fashion show
-
Gala night & closing ceremony
-
Visit the Pyramids of Giza (optional)
-
Grand Egyptian Museum tour
-
Old Cairo & Khan el-Khalili exploration
-
Farewell lunch for international delegates
-
Airport transfers provided
November - Day 4
19
Cultural Experience
Partner with us
Sponsorship Packages
Our sponsorship packages are strategically designed to align with your business objectives, offering a tiered approach to visibility and engagement. Beyond traditional branding, these opportunities position your company as a key industry driver across Africa and the MENA region. All prices are negotiable.
Silver
4,000€
All prices are negotiable
✦Logo in conference brochure and selected materials
✦Standard booth in the exhibition area
✦Exhibition opportunity at the Citadel of Saladin
✦Brand visibility across conference materials
Gold
10,000€
All prices are negotiable
✦Logo on selected banners, brochure & website
✦Half-page advertisement in the official booklet
✦Medium-sized booth in the exhibition area
✦Delegate passes included
✦Brand mention in ceremonies
Platinum
25,000€
All prices are negotiable
TOP TIER
✦Company logo on all banners, brochure, booklet & website
✦Speaking opportunity during the conference & largest exhibition booth
✦Full-page advertisement in the official booklet
✦Priority branding on stage and all media
✦VIP delegate passes + accommodation included
Interested? Contact Us
Payment Methods
🇺🇸 Bank of America (USA)
For International Transfers
Name
African Chamber of Trade & Commerce
Account N°
446058138614
SWIFT (USD)
BOFAUS3N
SWIFT (Devises)
BOFAUS6S
Routing
052001633
Société Générale du Cameroun
IBAN
CM21
Bank Code
10003
Counter Code
00200
Account N°
16020857477
KEY
61
SWIFT
SGCMCMCX
🇺🇸 Bank of America (USA)
For Domestic Transfers
Name
African Chamber of Trade & Commerce
Account N°
446058138614
SWIFT (USD)
BOFAUS3N
SWIFT (Devises)
BOFAUS6S
Wires
026009593
Other Payment Options
PayPal
www.ficota.org (+50€ fee)
Mobile Money
+237 677 581 551
Mobile Money
+237 695 228 348
Zelle ID
Sponsorship Contacts
Registration Fees
Join FICOTA 2026 - choose your pass
Included in the price: forum, roundtables, B2B meetings, workshops, coffee breaks, gala & awards evening. Early bird deadline: 31 August 2026.
Most Popular
International Participants
350€
Early bird: €275*
-
All 4 days full access
-
All 6 conference tracks
-
Exhibition & fashion show
-
B2B & roundtable sessions
-
Coffee breaks, gala & awards evening
*(until 31 Aug 2026)
Accompanying Persons
150€
-
Welcome reception & gala
-
Fashion show & catwalk
-
Cultural day tour (Day 4)
-
Coffee breaks & meals
Young Scientists / Students
150€
-
Full conference access
-
Paper/poster submission
-
Research networking events
-
Workshops & coffee breaks
Festival Village Access
2€
per person per day
-
AFP Designer Catwalk
-
Trade show access
-
Simple excursion: 50€/person/day
-
Group excursion: on request
Exhibition Spaces
Available Booth Options
All stand modules include: rental of exhibition space + 2 days dismantling, banner with company name (graphic printing), company details in the event magazine (min. 3 lines), lighting system & 220V socket.
9 m²
Standard Booth
375€
-
1 table + 2 chairs
-
Free entrance to the red carpet
-
Banner with company name
-
Listing in event magazine
-
220V lighting included
18 m²
Double Standard Booth
670€
-
1 table + 2 chairs
-
Free red carpet — charity dinner
-
Banner with company name
-
Listing in event magazine
-
220V lighting included
16 / 25 / 50 m²
Pavillon
Custom
-
Operated per subscriber needs
-
Full branding options
-
Multiple size configurations
-
To be discussed with organizer
Extra Exhibitor Badge
Per person
45€
-
Free access to exhibition
-
Access to all facilities
-
Additional team members
-
No limit on quantity
Advertising
FICOTA Magazine Insertion
Reach thousands of industry professionals across Africa and the MENA region through an advertisement in the official FICOTA 2026 conference magazine.
Placement
Rate
2nd Cover Page
1,250€
3rd Cover Page
950€
Back Cover
1,600€
★ PREMIUM
Full Page (interior)
800€
Half Page
400€
Interior Banner
300€
Register online
Online Registration Form
Complete the form below — you will receive a confirmation and invoice by email. Registration also entitles you to a letter of invitation for visa formalities.
Sponsoring
In Partnership With
KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR THE 3rd EDITION
Eric Trachtenberg
Executive Director of International Cotton Advisory Committee
FICOTA 2024 SPEAKERS
Mary Concilia Anchang
Founder and Chairperson for The African Chamber of Trade and Commerce
Jean-Roland Onana Nkoa
National Professional Officer for Culture at the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa
Bintou S. Diallo
Cultural and Creative Industries Expert - African Development Bank Group
Keshav Kranthi
Chief Scientist at the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC),
Dr. Guntram Kruger
Senior Researcher Textiles and Quality Control for Textechno Germany
Abdoul Aziz Yanogo
West Africa Regional Manager
Better Cotton
Axel Angeli
Digital Transformation Evangelist
Jane Okebugwu
Director of Operations for The African Chamber of Trade and Commision
Njeri Kimotho
Global Inclusion, Policy and Sustainable Fashion & Style Expert
Muktar Dodo
Representative in Africa at the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Dr. Lucy Surhyel Newman
Chief Executive Officer of
Africa Private Sector Summit
Abeer S. Arafa
Deputy Director of Cotton Research Institute Egypt
Valeria Mangani
President of Sustainable Fashion Innovation Society
Kanwar Muhammad Usman
Head of Textiles at the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)
Jasper Bhaumick
CEO UMa Soft GmbH and Bizpando AG
Kalayu Gebru
Project Manager at Solidaridad
Alexis Rai Gaynor
Director of Strategy and Partnerships for The African Chamber of Trade and Commerce
Queen Ahneva Ahneva
Cultural Curator
Founder of the New African Textile Museum