‘’Made in Benin’’ is gaining international recognition through the Football for Schools programme, led by FIFA in partnership with UNESCO. Launched in 2019, this initiative aims to democratise access to football by fully integrating it into education systems, for the benefit of girls and boys around the world.
At the official launch ceremony for the programme in Caremoon, held in Yaoundé, on 25th March 2026, beneficiaries wore “Made in Benin” T-shirts and polo shirts manufactured within Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ).
This promotion of “Made in Benin” forms part of the Cotton Partnership, a joint initiative by FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO). It seeks to strengthen the position of the C4+ countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, and Côte d’Ivoire) within the cotton value chain by fostering local transformation into textiles and garments.
In this context, Mr Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, welcomed the fulfilment of his institution’s commitment to prioritise production from these countries for FIFA programmes. This strategic direction positions “Made in Benin” as a driver of economic and industrial influence on a global scale.
“I am delighted that FIFA is officially launching the initiative to entrust the production of sportswear to the countries of the C4+ group. These garments will be worn by all pupils and teachers participating in Football for Schools. We are proud to deliver on the commitments made at the last Ministerial Conference, and as President of FIFA, I am honoured to support this initiative. I would also like to thank the governments of Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire, Dr Ngozi, as well as all stakeholders in the Cotton Partnership, for their remarkable team spirit and collective efforts in successfully delivering this initiative,” said Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA.
