Mr Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), visits GDIZ
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) had the privilege of welcoming a delegation from Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), led by its President and CEO, Mr Samaila Zubairu, joined by members of AFC Board of Directors. This visit took place in the presence of Mr Gagan Gupta, CEO of ARISE Group, and Mr Létondji Beheton, Managing Director of SIPI-BENIN S.A.
This visit provided Mr Zubairu and his team with an opportunity to appreciate the world-class infrastructure, achievements of GDIZ, and the zone’s major role in accelerating the industrialisation of Benin.
GDIZ is the result of a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Government of the Republic of Benin and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP). It embodies an ambitious vision for the local transformation of Benin’s products and the creation of added value. As the majority shareholder of ARISE IIP, AFC plays a central role in the development of GDIZ.
The presence of Mr Zubairu and AFC Board at GDIZ highlights AFC’s strong commitment to supporting projects that foster the development of robust and sustainable industrial infrastructure across Africa.
Cotton, the engine of industrial innovation in Africa, celebrated in Benin!
On 7th October 2024, World Cotton Day was held in Cotonou, marking a historic first for Africa. On this occasion, GDIZ had the honour of hosting an international delegation led by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of World Trade Organization (WTO).
This visit highlighted the importance of GDIZ in the local transformation of cotton. With an annual capacity of 40,000 tonnes across the 400 hectares of the project’s first phase, the Zone positions itself as a key pillar in the industrialisation of the textile sector in Africa.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure, GDIZ is well-prepared to meet international orders, including those from FIFA, reinforcing its role in enhancing the value of African “white gold” and contributing to the country’s economic development.
The WTO Director-General praised this example of an Industrial Zone, underscoring its significance for the future of the cotton sector in Benin and across the continent.
