Antananarivo, May 15, 2025 – The textile sector in Madagascar, a key player in the local industry, celebrates World Fair Trade Day by reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and humane practices. On this May 15, 2025, ACTUAL TEXTILES, a cornerstone of Madagascar’s textile sector, has set up a “Wishing Tree” symbolizing its dedication to an ethical textile future in Madagascar—where every stakeholder, from employees to local communities and the environment, is respected and valued.
Textile Madagascar: A Model of Sustainability and Ethics
At Textile Madagascar, the commitment to fair trade goes far beyond implementing responsible practices. It reflects a true model of social and economic management where people and the environment are the top priority. This commitment is embodied in tangible actions—such as the installation of the Wishing Tree within the company premises.
A Wishing Tree: A Symbol of Collective Commitment to a Responsible Textile Future
The Wishing Tree, placed in the cafeteria of ACTUAL TEXTILES, is more than a decorative element. It represents a collective vision of a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable future for Madagascar’s textile industry. By inviting employees to write down their wishes for a future rooted in ethics and solidarity, the initiative highlights the vital role each individual plays in building a more humane and respectful industry—one that upholds fundamental rights.
Textile Madagascar distinguishes itself through an approach that values every voice, every wish, and every commitment—creating a work environment where ethics, inclusion, and sustainability are not optional, but fundamental principles.
Fair Trade and Personal Stories: A Real Impact on Employees and the Local Community
At Textile Madagascar, fair trade isn’t a theoretical concept—it’s a daily reality. The stories shared by employees of ACTUAL TEXTILES clearly show the positive impact this model has on their professional and personal lives.
Employee Testimonials: The Human Impact of Fair Trade
For Nivo, a sewing machine operator at ACTUAL TEXTILES, respectful working conditions are a daily motivator:
“Working in a company that respects labor laws and working conditions motivates me even more. It creates a pleasant environment where I feel good and respected.”
Toky, another machinist, speaks about the profound effect his job has had on his family life:
“Thanks to my job at ACTUAL TEXTILES, I can not only meet my needs but also send my children to school. It has truly changed my life.”
Basé, a gardener, proudly speaks of the creative freedom he enjoys:
“What makes me proud is being able to create freely and flourish in what I do. Seeing my colleagues and employer satisfied brings me great joy and motivation.”
These stories show that behind every textile product made in Madagascar, there are men and women working under fair and respectful conditions. They underscore the importance of fair trade in Madagascar’s textile industry and its positive impact on individuals, their families, and their communities.
Fair Trade in Madagascar: A Catalyst for Transformation in the Textile Industry
Fair trade in Madagascar is much more than just a label. It is a sustainable development strategy that directly benefits employees, local communities, and the national economy. Every fair-trade action taken by Textile Madagascar has a domino effect—contributing to deep, positive societal change across the country.
Decisions that ensure respectful working conditions and fair wages create a more humane work environment while fostering mutual trust and loyalty between the company and its employees.
Fair Trade and Local Economic Development: A Shared Growth Dynamic
By placing people at the heart of its concerns, Textile Madagascar promotes local economic development while upholding core human values. Fair trade helps ensure fair wages, supports continuous employee training, and promotes access to fundamental rights—thus contributing to sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders.
The ethical approach of Textile Madagascar goes well beyond textile production. It aligns with an integrated economic development model, where solidarity, social responsibility, and environmental standards are key drivers of a prosperous future for Madagascar.
Promoting Local Expertise: A Pillar of Malagasy Identity and Quality
Another key aspect of ACTUAL TEXTILES’ commitment is the promotion of local craftsmanship. Every team member—whether a machinist, gardener, or in another role—helps preserve and enhance the textile expertise unique to Madagascar. This know-how, passed down through generations, is a hallmark of quality and performance for the company.
The products made in the workshops carry not just a mark of quality, but also the cultural identity of Madagascar. By respecting traditions and local skills, this commitment helps promote Malagasy textiles on the international stage while strengthening the local economy.
A Message from Management: Toward a Responsible and United Textile Future
Ms. Mezbine Hiridjee and Mr. Ilann Hiridjee, directors of ACTUAL TEXTILES, expressed their pride and satisfaction with this initiative:
“At ACTUAL TEXTILES, we firmly believe that respect for individuals and ethical values must guide all our actions. The Wishing Tree is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to a fairer, more united, and more sustainable textile future.”
They add:
“Every action, every gesture matters. Together, we continue our mission to make Textile Madagascar a model of responsible enterprise, where ethics and sustainability drive our development.”
Together for a More Ethical Textile Future in Madagascar
World Fair Trade Day is a perfect opportunity to remember that concrete actions—like the installation of the Wishing Tree—are far more than symbolic. They reflect an authentic and enduring commitment to sustainable transformation.
At ACTUAL TEXTILES, every wish hung on the Wishing Tree marks a step toward a more humane textile future—one that honors human rights and fundamental values. Through this vision, the company continues moving toward a more equitable, responsible, and united future, firmly believing that sustainable fair trade is the key to shared prosperity in Madagascar.
