Cotton production has been an engine of economic development in Francophone W. Africa for over 4 decades, where it is grown on 2.4 million hectares involving 10 million people. However, low world prices, stagnant yields and inefficient state cotton company operations have put the sector at a crossroads. Under pressure by the World Bank, increased competition in the cotton sector is being introduced, including the privatization of the state cotton companies in a number of countries. As a result, producer associations are becoming significant players. These developments may lead to many changes, including the way in which cotton is marketed.