Reforms of the Cotton Sector in West Africa and International Negotiations: The Case of Mali

This article focuses on West Africa’s cotton sector reforms and international negotiations. The authors argue that the cotton sector has become an issue of alliances and oppositions with variable geometry within the states, between NGOs, between African countries and other emerging countries, and between the United States and the European Union. Privatization and liberalization must be done on a case-by-case basis and in a limited and controlled manner. The authors strongly recommend integrating the context of strong market failures (financial, inputs, outlets) and infrastructure networks in which African countries find themselves and which often lead in privatization situations to de facto monopolies.