Lomé, 27 November 2025 -(©AfreePress)- Togo’s cotton industry is preparing to launch one of its most strategic phases. The 2025–2026 seed cotton marketing campaign. This stage, during which producers place the results of their agricultural season on the market, marks the culmination of a year of intensive work. The Nouvelle Société Cotonnière du Togo (NSCT), responsible for purchasing, transporting, ginning and paying producers, aims to deliver a campaign driven by heightened efficiency.
For this season, the NSCT is guided by a three-fold objective which are quick evacuation, quick ginning, quick payment. This accelerated rhythm is essential to preserving fibre quality, ensuring smooth industrial operations, and maintaining producer confidence. The official purchase price for seed cotton has been set at 300 CFA francs per kilogram, providing a signal of stability to all actors in the value chain.
Reducing post-harvest losses to boost yields
Preparations for the campaign began several weeks ahead of the first deliveries. A study conducted by Olam Agri highlighted a major challenge. A significant portion of cotton continues to be lost each year, mainly due to insufficient labour during the harvest period. This demanding and sometimes late stage also faces strict requirements from the “Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA)” standard, which firmly prohibits the use of child labour under 15 years old.
To address these issues, an ambitious programme has been launched, aiming to cut harvest losses by 50% by 2030 and improve producer incomes. From 18 to 20 November 2025, field technicians and agricultural representatives took part in an intensive training session focused on labour mobilisation, improved picking techniques, and the establishment of storage shelters to safeguard cotton quality before evacuation.
Industrial safety : an absolute priority in the ginning plants
The same level of preparation applies within the ginning units, where worker safety remains non-negotiable. From 20 to 21 November 2025, teams at the Kara plant received specialised training on working at heights—one of the most significant risks in the industry. The modules covered regulatory requirements, proper use of protective equipment, risk assessment, and practical evacuation exercises.
The goal is clear: to achieve an accident-free campaign. Similar training sessions are being rolled out across other NSCT sites, including Atakpamé and Notsè, to harmonise safety standards nationwide.
A campaign underpinned by rigour and operational mastery
As the official launch draws near, the NSCT presents itself with a strengthened organisational structure, better-prepared teams, and reinforced safety measures. Producers are receiving improved support, the factories are ready to operate at sustained pace, and operational processes have been streamlined to guarantee a smooth campaign.
The 2025–2026 cotton season is therefore expected to be one of controlled performance, serving producers, workers, and the long-term sustainability of one of Togo’s most strategic agricultural sectors.
Olivier A.
