Senegal's Textile Sector: A Bid to Reclaim Its History Amidst Industrial Revival

For decades, Senegal's textile industry was a source of national pride and economic strength, a symbol of our ability to process our own resources and create value at home. The "Icotaf" inscriptions, once proudly displayed, now lie faded under dust, a poignant reminder of a glorious past that the harsh realities of the 2000s slowly eroded. The collapse of giants like Icotaf, Cotonnière du Cap-Vert, and Sotiba was a painful blow, a stark illustration of how liberalization policies and unchecked international competition can dismantle a nation's industrial base.

But the spirit of Senegalese innovation and resilience endures. Today, a palpable sense of renewal is emerging. Driven by a renewed political commitment and bolstered by international cooperation, particularly from Germany, the sector is embarking on a path to recovery. The simple yet powerful principle guiding this resurgence is to transform our local cotton within Senegal, recapturing the value that once slipped through our fingers.

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We were victims of liberal policies and massive imports of fabrics.

Figures like Aïssa Dione are at the forefront of this revival. Her tireless advocacy for Senegalese craftsmanship and her hands-on approach, breathing life back into the former Icotaf facilities with a mix of salvaged and imported machinery, embody this new dynamic. Her workshop, a hub of activity where former workers meticulously bring old machines back to life, is more than just a business; it's a testament to our enduring industrial heritage and our determination to write a new chapter for Senegalese textiles. This is not just about economic recovery; it's about reclaiming our narrative and rebuilding a sector that is intrinsically linked to our national identity.

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I recovered the old Icotaf machines and brought in others from Lyon. They are old, but they still work.