The economic heart of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan-Plateau, is hosting the third edition of the African Forum of Textile Care Professionals (FAPET) from May 20 to 22, 2026. This gathering brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa to tackle the challenges and opportunities in modernizing and industrializing the continent’s textile care sector.
a vision for sustainable growth in textile care
Themed “Structuring, ecological transition, and innovation: steering toward sustainable industrialization of textile care in Africa,” this year’s forum was inaugurated by a representative of the president of the Economic, Social, Environmental, and Cultural Council (CESEC), Soro Mamadou. In his opening address, he emphasized the sector’s rising significance in Africa’s economic development, moving beyond its traditional perception as a secondary industry.
“Textile care is no longer just about cleaning garments,” Soro Mamadou stated. “It has evolved into a key driver for job creation, environmental sustainability, and service enhancement across critical sectors like healthcare and tourism.” He stressed the urgency for African nations to develop homegrown value chains, upgrade infrastructure, and professionalize the workforce to meet global standards.
key challenges and collaborative solutions
Discussions highlighted persistent hurdles, including the informal nature of many operations, gaps in technical training, limited access to financing, and the slow pace of ecological transition. Yoboué Célestin-Arthur, President of the African Federation of Textile Care Professionals (FAPET), noted these obstacles while applauding the sector’s growing mobilization.
He praised the contributions of industry leaders such as Fayçal Belaroussi, Vice-President of FAPET and President of Algeria’s National Association of Dry Cleaners and Laundries, as well as M. Adebayo, President of the Fabricare Professionals and Dryclean Association. Their involvement underscores the collaborative spirit driving the forum’s objectives.
strategies for industrialization and partnerships
Organizers aim to position FAPET 2026 as a catalyst for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth by fostering knowledge-sharing, public-private partnerships, and the adoption of eco-friendly technologies. Over three days, the event will delve into the industrialization of textile care, with a special focus on managing hospital, industrial, and household linen.
The forum’s agenda reflects a broader commitment to transforming the sector into a model of sustainability and innovation, ensuring Africa’s textile care industry not only meets but exceeds international benchmarks.