Cotonou hosted the Francophonie Economic Mission in West Africa, an event of considerable scale, organised by the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF), in collaboration with the Government of Benin.
This initiative, now a fixture in the calendar of Francophone businesses, aims to strengthen economic partnerships and foster investment within Francophonie. Over the course of three days, around a hundred economic actors from Africa, Europe, Asia, Caribbean, and Middle East engaged with more than 200 Beninese companies, focusing on strategic sectors such as agro-industry, cultural and creative industries, and digital transformation.
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), a flagship of Benin’s industrial ambition, was at the heart of this economic mission.
Opening ceremony attended by leading figures
The mission was officially launched on June 17, 2025 during an opening ceremony at Sofitel Hotel Dome in Cotonou, in the presence of Mr Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, Benin Minister of State in charge of Development and Coordination of Government Action, and Her Excellency Mrs Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of Francophonie.
Several other high-ranking officials from Republic of Benin, along with economic actors from a variety of backgrounds, also took part in this inaugural event.
Mrs Mushikiwabo praised Benin’s efforts to improve its business climate and attract investment into local value chains.
GDIZ highlighted as a model of economic transformation
On the morning of 18 June, a panel discussion was held on the theme “Doing Business in Benin”, in partnership with the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx).
Key figures from Benin’s economic landscape shared their insights, including :
- Mr Létondji Beheton, Managing Director of the Investment and Industry Promotion Company (SIPI-BENIN S.A.).
- Mr Eustache Kotingan, President of the National Employers’ Council of Benin.
- Mr Sindé Chékété, Managing Director of APIEx.
- Mr Robert Aouad, Managing Director of ISOCEL Benin.
- Mr Arsène M. Dansou, Director General of the International Bank for Industry and Commerce (BIIC).
Mr Beheton underlined the key role played by GDIZ in Benin’s industrialisation, emphasising its competitive advantages for investors: modern infrastructure, Single Window services, tax exemptions, and integration into value chains.
Other speakers complemented this perspective by highlighting Benin’s macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, and the dynamism of the private sector.
A hands-on discovery of GDIZ industrial environment
On 19 June, the delegation took part in a guided tour of GDIZ, a genuine showcase of Benin’s industrial ambitions.
Participants explored several operational production units, including:
- Garment Production units.
- Benin Textile (Btex), an integrated textile factory combining spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing of towels and bed sheets.
- Afrikan Ceramics Solutions (ACS), specialising in the manufacture of tiles.
This visit provided a concrete demonstration of the Zone’s ability to host high value-added industrial projects.
The 2025 edition of the Francophonie Economic Mission offered GDIZ a valuable platform to reinforce its international visibility and further assert its position as a premier destination for industrial investment in West Africa.
