Launch of the African fabric designed for Côte d'Ivoire’s Fiftieth Anniversary

August 07th, 1960 - August 07th, 2010 : Côte d'Ivoire celebrated, that year, the Fiftieth anniversary of its independence. On this occasion, the National Preparatory Commission for the Fiftieth Anniversary of Côte d'Ivoire’s Independence (CNPCICI) has trusted the Company UNIWAX, a corporate citizen, for manufacturing the African fabric commemorating the anniversary.

Indeed, for more than 40 years, UNIWAX has developed an expertise in the manufacture of Wax African fabrics commonly known as "Wax Côte d'Ivoire".

UNIWAX has always been dedicated to offering its customers quality products that meet their needs, through the creation of more than 500 patterns each year, all inspired by scenes of everyday life.

This innovation policy is a key element for fighting the scourge of counterfeiting, which undermines the African fabric industry in particular and the Ivorian economy in general.

That’s the reason why all the patterns developed by UNIWAX are registered with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), in charge of protecting the property rights of manufacturers.

In agreement with the National Preparatory Commission for the Fiftieth Anniversary of Côte d'Ivoire’s Independence (CNPCICI), UNIWAX decided to produce 2 types of African fabric highlighting the colors of Côte d'Ivoire’s flag : the Wax and the Fancy. This choice was made in order to enable each and every one to be able to afford this event African fabric according to their purchasing power.

The fiftieth anniversary was an opportunity for the Ivorian people to come together and unite as it should go beyond all socio-political and ethnic considerations and unite everyone around Peace, which has long been advocated by the founder of this Ivorian nation (Félix Houphouët Boigny).

On that day, therefore, every Ivorian was invited to participate in the success of the celebration and above all to keep a memory of it because 50 years of independence in the life of a nation is the ideal time to take stock and to draw the lines for a promising future.  

Besides, the month of March, in which women are celebrated through the International Women's Day on March 8th, has been declared Citizenship Month by the CNPCICI. Therefore, every Ivorian had to purchase their fiftieth anniversary African fabric as it was a heritage that we have a duty to pass on to future generations. Women were also given the opportunity to celebrate their Day while affirming their citizenship dressed in that event African fabric.

The African fabric designed for the fiftieth anniversary was available as from Monday, March 8th, 2010, in the Woodin Plateau and 2 Plateaux stores as well as at all UNIWAX resellers throughout the country.

THE VLISCO GROUP

UNIWAX is part of the Vlisco Group. This group, which specializes in the textile industry, operates in Central and West Africa with production units in Holland (Vlisco), Côte d'Ivoire (UNIWAX) and Ghana (GTP and Woodin). The company designs, produces and distributes some 51 million yards of fabric per year.

In September 2010, Actis, a private investor specialized in emerging markets, acquired the Vlisco Group. Through this acquisition, Actis intends to contribute to the growth of the Vlisco Group by enabling it to benefit from its unique experience, particularly in the textile sector.

UNIWAX

Uniwax is a Public Limited Company with a capital of CFAF 4,150,000,000. Since 1968, the company has developed an expertise in the manufacture of Wax African fabrics commonly known as "Wax Côte d'Ivoire".

With more than 700 employees, Uniwax is constantly concerned with total customer satisfaction through the development of quality products that meet customer expectations. Uniwax is the very symbol of African elegance and does everything possible to promote this cultural heritage.

For any further information, please contact :

Communication Directorate :

Tel: 23 53 53 94

Fax: 23 46 69 42