Cotonou hosted the 2025 edition of the Choiseul Africa Summit on February 26th and 27th. This prestigious event brought together investors, business leaders, and decision-makers for strategic discussions aimed at accelerating the economic development of the African continent. Co-organised alongside APIEx Benin, GDIZ played a key role in the success of this edition, which was marked by panels, keynotes, roundtable discussions, B2B meetings, and strategic exchanges.
An outstanding mobilisation of Beninese and African authorities
The 2025 edition of the Choiseul Africa Summit stood out for the notable presence of numerous personalities and high-ranking officials from Benin, led by Mrs Mariam Chabi Talata, Vice-President of the Republic of Benin, accompanied by several members of the Beninese Government.
The summit also brought together prominent figures from the economic and political spheres, including Mr. Pascal Lorot, President of the Choiseul Institute, Mr. Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, as well as numerous African and international leaders.
Driving Africa’s Industrialisation : the Success Story of ARISE Group
During his keynote at the Choiseul Africa Summit, Mr. Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of the ARISE Group, emphasised that the industrialisation of Africa relies primarily on the collective will of its people. He illustrated this belief by stating: “Each time Africa exports its raw materials, it imports unemployment.”
Mr. Gupta stressed the urgent need to industrialise the continent in order to add value to its local resources, generate jobs, and foster sustainable development. He also shared the journey of ARISE Group, highlighting its tangible achievements and significant contributions to industrialisation in Africa.
Agro-industry: a driver of Benin’s competitiveness
During the panel on agro-industry, Mr. Létondji Beheton, Managing Director of SIPI-Bénin S.A., also highlighted the importance of local processing to enhance Benin’s competitiveness. This panel provided an opportunity to discuss strategies for structuring a high-performing and competitive regional agro-industry.
A deep dive into Benin’s industrial transformation
On 26 February 2025, Choiseul Africa Summit participants had the opportunity to visit Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). This immersion allowed them to discover the production units and technological innovations implemented within the Zone.
By hosting the Choiseul Africa Summit 2025, Benin reaffirms its position as a strategic hub for economic and political exchanges in Africa. This flagship event further strengthens Benin’s growing attractiveness and its status as a land of opportunity.
