On 8 and 9 May 2025, Benin hosted the 7th edition of the Benin Investment Forum (BIF) at Sofitel Hotel in Cotonou. This flagship event brought together economic decision-makers, investors, entrepreneurs, and government representatives. Held under the theme ‘Choose Benin’, the BIF highlighted the country’s investment potential through conferences, panel discussions, B2B and B2G sessions, and an exhibition.
Industrial financing : GDIZ experience in the spotlight
On the opening day of the forum, Mr Létondji BEHETON, Managing Director of SIPI-BENIN S.A., took part in the panel discussion ‘Financing the future : towards a financial architecture adapted to Africa.’
He shared insights from Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) on innovative financial structuring to support industrialisation. According to Mr BEHETON, Africa’s industrial acceleration cannot rely on physical infrastructure alone, it also requires a robust financial ecosystem capable of mobilising large-scale capital and securing investments. “To support more than €550 million in investment, we had to go beyond traditional instruments : export credit agencies, development banks, structured guarantees… This secure framework reassures both investors and financial institutions,” said Mr Létondji BEHETON.
With its clear legal framework, strategic infrastructure, and innovative financial engineering, GDIZ is positioning itself as a model for industrial financing, not only in Benin but across West Africa.
Investing in GDIZ : a tangible framework for industrial ambitions
On May 9, 2025, during the second day of the Benin Investment Forum (BIF), Mr. Létondji BEHETON presented concrete investment opportunities available within Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) to both local and international business leaders.
He also engaged directly with participants, responding to their questions and offering insights into the processes for setting up within the Zone, as well as the tailored support mechanisms available to investors.
This highly interactive session further reinforced GDIZ’s appeal as a prime destination for industrial investment in West Africa.
