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Benin is making a bold economic shift by announcing plans to ban the export of raw cotton and instead invest in building a robust domestic textile industry. This strategic move is designed to maximize the economic value of its cotton production, create employment opportunities, and promote industrialization within its borders.
A Top Cotton Producer Rethinks Its Strategy
For decades, Benin has been one of Africa’s leading cotton producers. In the 2024–2025 season, the country is expected to produce approximately 669,000 tonnes of cotton, surpassing regional competitors such as Mali. However, the majority of this cotton has historically been exported in its raw form to countries like Bangladesh, India, and China, where it is processed and turned into finished garments. As a result, Benin has missed out on the added value that comes with local processing and manufacturing. By halting raw cotton exports, the government aims to capture more of this value domestically.
The Vision of President Patrice Talon
The driving force behind this transformation is President Patrice Talon, a former cotton tycoon often referred to as the “King of Cotton.” Talon has long advocated for moving Benin beyond an export-dependent economy toward one that emphasizes value addition and industrial self-sufficiency. Under his leadership, the government has made industrialization a top priority. Talon’s vision is to ensure that Benin not only grows cotton but also transforms it into yarn, fabric, and clothing within the country thus retaining more economic benefits and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing.
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone: The Heart of Industrialization
At the center of this national strategy is the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), located roughly 45 kilometers from the economic hub of Cotonou. This expansive industrial park was launched in 2020 through a joint venture between the government of Benin and Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP), led by Indian entrepreneur Gagan Gupta. GDIZ is designed to handle the entire textile production process from ginning and spinning to weaving, dyeing, and sewing garments. As of 2025, the zone processes about 40,000 tonnes of cotton annually and produces between 7 and 10 million garments per year. These finished products are already being exported to international fashion retailers such as Kiabi, signaling growing global interest in Benin’s manufacturing capabilities.
Job Creation and Economic Transformation
The shift toward a domestic textile industry is expected to have far-reaching economic and social impacts. Benin’s government aims to process its entire cotton output locally in the near future, which would significantly expand the country’s manufacturing sector. Projections suggest that up to 250,000 jobs could be created across the textile value chain by 2030. These jobs would span spinning mills, weaving plants, garment factories, and logistics services offering employment opportunities especially for youth and women. The African Development Bank has endorsed the initiative, estimating that a thriving textile sector could contribute more than $5 billion annually to Benin’s economy while driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
Despite the promising outlook, Benin faces several challenges in realizing its industrial vision. Currently, only a fraction of the country’s cotton is processed locally. Achieving full processing capacity will require significant investments in infrastructure, electricity, water, transportation, and skilled labor. Moreover, Benin must work to ensure that its factories meet international labor and environmental standards to attract and retain global buyers. Addressing these issues will be critical to building a resilient and competitive textile industry capable of standing alongside established global players.
A Blueprint for Economic Diversification
Benin’s decision to end raw cotton exports and focus on domestic textile production reflects a broader effort to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on unprocessed commodity exports. By capturing more value from its natural resources and investing in industrial capacity, the country is taking a major step toward long-term economic resilience. The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone serves not only as a catalyst for this transformation but also as a symbol of what is possible when a country combines political will, strategic investment, and private sector collaboration.
If successful, Benin’s model could inspire other African nations to pursue similar strategies, shifting from raw material exporters to industrial producers. The journey will not be without its hurdles, but Benin’s commitment to this path suggests that it is ready to shape a new chapter in its economic history one where cotton no longer leaves its borders as fiber, but returns to the world as fashion.
