Agence française de développement, LVMH, and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance join forces to scale up regenerative cotton production in Chad

Demonstrating the potential of regenerative cotton

Cotton is a cornerstone of Chad’s economy, directly or indirectly supporting the livelihoods of approximately 3 million people out of a population of 17.5 million. The sector engages around 200,000 cotton producers and is led by CotonTchad SN (CTSN), Chad’s leading cotton company and an Olam Agri subsidiary operating across the entire cotton value chain. CTSN has been supporting the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and  provides farmers with technical assistance on good agricultural practices, efficient use of agricultural inputs, and tailored extension services, helping build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector for the long term.

In that context, the collaboration builds on the experiences of a 2022-24 Living Lab 1.0 in Chad, which was supported by CBA Founder Member LVMH. This pilot project tested using sustainable agroforestry to restore degraded land and improve local livelihoods in the Logone Occidental and Lac Provinces. This included a 20-hectare regenerative agroforestry cotton pilot as well as training and technical support for 500 cotton farmers in regenerative approaches.

The pilot project provided valuable insights into what is possible and what is required to create a viable blueprint for regenerative agroforestry cotton in regions like Chad. Thanks to a small grant from LVMH, the CBA is now sharing that knowledge with farmers, researchers and policymakers.

The project forms part of LVMH's LIFE 360 environmental strategy, through which the Group has committed to implementing regenerative agriculture across all of its strategic supply chains and to preserving five million hectares of land by 2030. Throughout this period, AFD's decades-long presence in the region and its expertise in financing sustainable development across West and Central Africa's cotton sector provided a critical foundation for the pilot, informing the design of the next phase of intervention in the cotton basin.

Towards a CBA Living Lab 2.0 and AFD's DEBACO programme

Under the new MoU, LVMH, CBA and AFD will take steps towards new projects in the cotton basin of Chad. AFD's DEBACO programme supports the sustainable economic development of local territories and the food security of agro-pastoral households in the cotton basin of southern Chad. DEBACO's activities focus on structuring cotton-sector actors around agroecological intensification practices, supporting agro-pastoral households in adopting sustainable production systems, and strengthening territorial management of natural resources, with the empowerment of women and the reduction of gender inequalities as a cross-cutting priority.

The CBA is searching for a funder for a Living Lab 2.0 on regenerative cotton and sustainable livelihoods in Chad, drawing on the lessons of the first pilot. 
 

Three shared priorities for the years ahead

AFD and CBA have identified three thematic areas where the partnership can create the greatest impact: 

• reconciling sustainable agriculture with nature protection and restoration, through climate-resilient, regenerative approaches aligned with Chad's low-carbon transition strategy; 
• developing circular and sustainable value chains in the cotton basin, including cotton, cereals, sesame and legumes, with LVMH exploring opportunities to integrate sustainably produced Chadian cotton into its supply chains; 
• and building capacity and knowledge through joint research, training and events for farmers, scientists and experts. This cooperation also connects to AFD's IMPACT TRADE PARTNERSHIP initiative, launched at COP29 in 2024 to mobilise international buyers in support of more sustainable global value chains.

“LVMH has committed to preserving or regenerating 5 million hectares by 2030, particularly within its supply chains. The Group is proud to work with the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance and to continue supporting regenerative cotton production in Chad, notably through farmer training and technical assistance.” Hélène Valade, LVMH Environment Development Director.

“We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration on regenerative cotton with LVMH and AfD, and build on the past work we have done in Chad with a number of CBA members. It provides a unique opportunity to work together to unlock how regenerative cotton systems can work in fragile landscapes and generate transformational opportunities for local communities and the environment.” Marc Palahí, CEO, Circular Bioeconomy Alliance

“Through DEBACO, AFD is committed to strengthening the resilience of agro-pastoral communities in Chad's cotton basin, to more sustainable production systems and better management of natural resources. This partnership with LVMH and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance allows us to combine our respective expertise and resources to deliver lasting impact for the livelihoods of local farmers while preserving soil health and adapting to climate change.” Sandra Rullière, Division Agriculture, Développement Rural et Biodiversité, AFD

This partnership illustrates the shared commitment of LVMH, CBA and AFD to combining private-sector engagement, philanthropic support and public development finance to regenerate landscapes, protect biodiversity and build resilient, inclusive cotton value chains in Chad for the benefit of farmers, local communities and the environment alike.
 

Press contacts :

LVMH : Jean-Charles Tréhan - + 33 1 44 13 26 20 

CBA: rach.colling@circularbioeconomyalliance.org 

AFD : odstrcilc.ext@afd.fr 

About the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA)

The Circular Bioeconomy Alliance was established by His Majesty King Charles III as The Prince of Wales, and is a registered charity. The CBA aims to accelerate the change to a nature-first economy that is climate neutral, inclusive and powers prosperity. We create impact at scale, using natural capital to build sustainable value chains which transform our land, food, health and industrial systems. Our approach combines a science-based framework, coalitions of expert partners, indigenous and local leaders, and a global network of ‘Living Labs’.
https://circularbioeconomyalliance.org  

About LVMH

As a global leader in luxury, LVMH is a family-founded group created in 1987. With 75 Maisons spanning major luxury sectors - Wines & Spirits, Fashion & Leather Goods, Perfumes & Cosmetics, Watches & Jewelry, Selective Retailing, and Other Activities including Hospitality and Media - LVMH embodies the core values of excellence, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

The Group's mission is to ensure the long-term development of each of its Maisons, respecting what makes them unique and strong. 

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is present in Wines & Spirits through Maisons including Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Domaine du Clos des Lambrays, Château Cheval Blanc, Colgin Cellars, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere, Woodinville, Volcán de mi Tierra, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Bodega Numanthia, Ao Yun, Château d’Esclans, Château Galoupet, Joseph Phelps, and Château Minuty. The Fashion & Leather Goods sector includes the brands Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs, Berluti, Loro Piana, RIMOWA, Patou, Barton Perreira, and Vuarnet. LVMH is present in the Perfumes & Cosmetics sector with the brands Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Kenzo Parfums, Parfums Loewe, Benefit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma, Fresh, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and Officine Universelle Buly. The Watches & Jewelry business group is made up of the brands Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Tiffany & Co., Chaumet, Zenith, Fred, Hublot, and L’Épée. LVMH is also active in Selective Retailing and other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, Groupe Les Echos-Le Parisien, Paris Match, Cova, Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, Royal Van Lent, Belmond, and Cheval Blanc hotels. 
LVMH’s environmental policy has been a pillar of its growth strategy for the past 27 years. This policy accelerated in 2012 with the creation of the LIFE (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) program, a comprehensive strategic framework structured around four pillars - Creative circularity, Biodiversity, Climate, and Traceability & Transparency. 
 

About the Agence Française de Développement group

AFD Group finances and drives the transition to a fairer, safer and more resilient world, working with its partners to support communities all over the world. Drawing on the complementary strengths of its entities – Agence Française de Développement for public financing, Proparco for responsible private investment, and Expertise France for technical expertise – the Group is ideally positioned to meet all sustainable development challenges. Working in over 160 countries, including France’s Overseas Territories and Departments, the Group adapts its operations to the realities on the ground, actively supporting local initiatives. With over 4,000 projects, whose objectives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AFD Group works on behalf of the French people, together with all stakeholders committed to economic development and the preservation of common goods: climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality and global health. Working by your side, toward a world in common.
afd.fr/en