Ferragamo has deepened its commitment to social responsibility through a multi-year partnership with the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), supporting women artisans in Burkina Faso’s cotton industry. The collaboration, launched in 2022, has been instrumental in establishing West Africa’s first cotton dyeing factory in Ouagadougou, set to be operational by 2026.
The project, backed by the European Union’s OACPS Business Friendly Programme, aims to enhance the production, dyeing, and trade of Faso Dan Fani, the region’s traditional cotton fabric. By improving access to high-quality, certified, and traceable dyed yarns, the initiative directly benefits women artisans, who play a vital yet often undervalued role in Burkina Faso’s textile economy. The factory is expected to produce 24 tonnes of dyed yarn annually, creating approximately 80 direct and indirect jobs in weaving, dyeing, textile engineering, and logistics.
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC, highlights the project’s impact, stating, “Our partnership with Ferragamo to build the first cotton-dyeing factory of this kind in West Africa—creating jobs and income opportunities for women while bringing visibility to traditional cultural expressions – is an example of private sector-backed sustainable development. It’s not only a socially responsible way to move forward; it’s economically viable.”
Ferragamo’s contribution has also supported MANUSA Cooperative Sociale, an Italian social enterprise employing migrant and asylum-seeking women. MANUSA works with CABES GIE, a social enterprise representing 91 artisan collectives and over 2,400 artisans in Burkina Faso. CABES Dyeing Manager, Farida Ballo, underscores the factory’s significance, explaining that current dyeing processes often lead to quality issues such as entanglement and color inconsistency. The new facility will address these challenges, ensuring that locally produced fabrics meet international standards.
Beyond textile production, Ferragamo’s support extends to artisan-made home décor collections. With EFI’s “Hands of Fashion” brand launching in 2025, 400 handcrafted cushions made from Burkina Faso’s cotton fabrics will be sold online, further strengthening the economic prospects of local weavers.
Leonardo Ferragamo, Chairman of Ferragamo, reinforces the brand’s commitment to women’s empowerment, stating, “Our support for EFI’s project in Burkina Faso stems from a deep belief in fostering women’s independence and creating pathways to reduce poverty and gender inequality. This initiative reflects Ferragamo’s enduring dedication to advancing women’s rights and promoting social responsibility within communities.”
This initiative aligns with Ferragamo’s long-standing dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B), a core element of the brand’s sustainability strategy. Inspired by Wanda Ferragamo’s legacy of resilience and leadership, the company continues to invest in programs that uplift women, ensuring that craftsmanship and tradition remain powerful tools for social change.
