The New Cotton Route symbolizes Malian cultural heritage in the field of textiles, particularly those handcrafted by women farmers, craftswomen, fashion creators, and all the stakeholders involved in the transformation and promotion of cotton.

This initiative envisions sustainable development and aims to create a long-term impact in the communities where it operates.

The New Cotton Route directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 1, No. 5, No. 8, and No. 12, and also supports Goals No. 10, No. 13, and No. 16.

This initiative thus helps support the development of isolated communities living in extreme poverty in Mali, while also giving visibility to young Malian creators by providing them with access to training and international markets.

The capacities of women and youth working along the cotton transformation and commercialization value chain will be strengthened through training on environmental standards and quality.

Support will be provided for the creation of new designs and products (fabrics and clothing) aligned with market preferences.

Training, access to means of production, commercialization, technologies, and expertise will also help improve the production, transformation, and commercialization environment for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Competitive and innovative business strategies will strengthen the quality and efficiency of supply and production. By implementing sustainable operating and management practices, the project will open new business opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the textile and apparel sector.

The New Cotton Route will create sustainable jobs, drive economic growth, and contribute to improving the living conditions of youth and women, while also reducing their vulnerability to armed conflict and climate change.