From field to garment: Benin bets on local processing of its cotton
In Benin, cotton is much more than a raw material, it’s a symbol. Nicknamed “white gold”, it has shaped the country’s history and economy. But today, Benin is no longer content to export its raw cotton. Under the impetus of President Patrice Talon, himself nicknamed the “King of Cotton”, the country aims to become a major player in textile processing in Africa.
Benin, with its 13 million inhabitants, rivals Mali for the title of Africa’s leading cotton producer. Production is expected to reach 669,000 tonnes for the 2024/2025 season. This figure testifies to the importance of this crop for Benin’s economy.
The Zone Industrielle de Glo-Djigbé (GDIZ), spearheading cotton processing in Benin
To achieve its goals, Benin is counting on the Zone Industrielle de Glo-Djigbé (GDIZ). This ultramodern industrial complex, designed in partnership with Indian businessman Gagan Gupta, brings together all stages of cotton processing: spinning, weaving, dyeing, knitting and garment making.
Our ambitions
In mid-2024, GDIZ exported its first garments for the French brand Kiabi, amounting to 80,000 pieces. “We have all the infrastructure we need to process agricultural products,” explains Létondji Beheton, Managing Director of Société d’Investissement et de Promotion de l’Industrie (SIPI-Bénin), which runs GDIZ.
The zone works with several foreign brands such as US Polo ASSN, The Children’s Place (TCP), and Kiabi. “Today at GDIZ, we process 40,000 tons of cotton a year and produce around 7 to 10 million garments a year,” says Létondji Beheton. This production should increase by the end of 2025 with the addition of three new garment manufacturing units.
Promoting local know-how
If GDIZ is the symbol of this industrial ambition, cotton processing is also taking place on a smaller scale. Local artisans, such as Nadia Adanlé with her Couleur Indigo brand, offer authentic cotton products “Made in Benin”.
Challenges to meet
The Beninese authorities are aiming to process “50% of the cotton produced in Benin and export the remaining 50%”. To achieve this, they need to “increase production capacity” and attract
Benin is taking a bold gamble: transforming its white gold into a veritable textile industry. From cotton cultivation to garment manufacturing, the country is betting on adding value to its local production and creating jobs. It’s a tall order, but a bold ambition for a booming African fashion industry.
@AFP – Photo: GDIZ
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