Thousands of young Beninese are already employed in Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone. GDIZ is an attractive hub that shows the relevant and leading role played by the Government in industrialisation promotion.
H.E.M. Patrice TALONPresident of the Republic of Benin
“My delegation was with our Minister of Foreign Trade to visit the impressive Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) project which is positioning Benin on the path to an industrial and processing economy. You can therefore count on us to invest, to stand by you and to push forward on this issue. We strongly support this economic model of added value produced in Africa, for the benefit of Africans [...].”
H.E.M. Emmanuel MACRONPresident of the Republic of France
“I am very impressed by the dynamism emerging from this new economic activity zone (GDIZ). The President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron, hopes that the friendly ties between our two countries will enable us to improve our economic relations. I noticed that this business zone offers many opportunities and I hope many French companies will come and invest in Benin.”
Olivier BECHTDeputy Minister of Foreign Trade, Attractiveness, and the French Diaspora
“GDIZ is an Industrial Zone developed based on the model of an integrated business city with advanced infrastructures. By 2030, GDIZ will generate 300,000 direct jobs. This is important for our youth! Today, more than 6,000 young Beninese men and women are already working in the Zone! This shows that the Government of the Republic of Benin and its partner ARISE IIP are honoring their commitments.”
Abdoulaye BIO TCHANÉState Minister for Development and Coordination of Government Action
“The strategy of the Government of Benin in developing the Industrial Zone of Glo-Djigbé is to establish a competitive zone in a global environment, i.e., to be able to produce quality and quantity articles “Made in Benin” at a manageable frequency.”
Romuald WADAGNIState Minister for the Economy and Finance
“Benin is entering an important phase in its history, that of going far with serious project leaders who will process raw materials and create jobs for young Beninese. These factories remain a safe destination for our raw materials and a prerequisite for increasing our agricultural production.”
Gaston DOSSOUHOUIMinister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Benin
“Well done! After visiting GDIZ, I wanted to express my admiration and support for the vision and development strategy of the Zone. There is a strong commitment to contribute significantly to the development of universities and relevant expertise.”
Eléonore YAYIMinister of Higher Education and Scientific Research - Republic of Benin
“Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) is a new and special zone that reflects the will of the President of the Republic, Patrice TALON, to accelerate the economic growth of Benin. With its primary aim of locally processing products of Benin, GDIZ represents a strategic project for the structural transformation of the Beninese economy. We are proud to welcome the investors to GDIZ and invite local and foreign companies and entrepreneurs to invest in Benin, the land of opportunities.”
Shadiya Alimatou ASSOUMANMinister of Industry and Trade of Benin
“This Special Economic Zone is designed to be a modern Industrial Zone, in compliance with the highest environmental and social standards and intended to provide services to various industries. GDIZ project will allow Benin to capitalize on its agricultural and mineral wealth.”
Laurent GANGBESGeneral Manager of Agence de Promotion de l’Investissement et de l’Exportation (APIEx)
“GDIZ is an Industrial Zone developed by ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) and the Republic of Benin. The main objective of the Zone is to process Benin’s agricultural products to create added value. GDIZ has already created more than 6000 jobs and will generate about 300,000 direct jobs by 2030.”
Létondji BEHETONManaging Director of Société d’Investissement et de Promotion de l’Industrie (SIPI-Bénin S.A.)
“After the guided tour of the Special Economic Zone, GDIZ, I can believe in Africa’s economic revival. The achievement of the vision of H.E.M. Patrice TALON in collaboration with the partner ARISE IIP shows the strong political commitment to help boost development. It is time for Africa to rely on its own natural resources to achieve sustainable growth!”
Eve BAZAIBA MASUDIDeputy Prime Minister in charge of environment and sustainable development of the DRC
“It’s truIy impressive ! I was very pleased to return to GDIZ. My last visit was less than a year ago and I’m very impressed by the swift development I have seen, particularly in the Garment Training Center (GTC). The Zone has a great potential for international development.”
Michael DERUSAmbassador of Germany to Benin
“Simply Bravo! It is with great pleasure and honour that I visited Glo-Djigbé Special Economic Zone (GDIZ). It is an example of political will, driven by Benin’s assets and energy. Many thanks to the Beninese authorities and especially to the General Manager of SIPI-BÉNIN S.A for his expertise.”
Jean-Marc Thystère TchicayaMinister of Special Economic Zones and Economic Diversification of Congo
“Impressive! The work done in GDIZ in such a short time is not only impressive, but very promising. Benin has clearly embarked on a dynamic of concrete transformation. Bravo! We return to Nouakchott inspired and ready to follow the example. Thank you again.”
Aïssata LAMGeneral Manager of the Mauritanian Investment Promotion Agency
“This visit to the Special Economic Zone of Glo-Djigbé has allowed us to witness the realization of a real economic vision that should inspire all our leaders on the continent to the creation of wealth, especially the creation of direct and indirect jobs. We salute and congratulate the work accomplished by the Government of Benin and express our gratitude to His Excellency President Patrice TALON for his leadership”
Denis Christel SASSOU NGUESSOMinister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership of the Republic of Congo
“I am very impressed with the vision and progress of construction in GDIZ. This Zone is a pole of stability for Benin, with massive wealth and job creation to support the project. The West African Development Bank (BOAD) promise to promote the investment and development of GDIZ.”
Serge EKUEPresident of the West African Development Bank (BOAD)
“I was personally very impressed by the Glo-Djigbé industrial zone. It's a modern, well-structured zone, because it's well thought out and well designed. It is well organised, with a management structure that oversees the implementation of this industrial development.”
Jean-Claude KASSI BROUGovernor of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)
“I am impressed by the scope of Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). It will contribute to the industrialization of Benin by promoting the local transformation of Benin’s natural resources (cotton, cashew nuts, pineapples and others) and the creation of jobs for Benin’s youth. Congratulations to the President of the Republic of Benin Patrice Talon for his vision. Today, Benin is transforming its agricultural sector with GDIZ, which processes raw materials into high value-added products for export. This initiative, based on innovation and local processing, shows the way to sustainable prosperity and a thriving economy on the continent!”
Dr Akinwumi AdesinaPresident of the African Development Bank (AFDB)
“Very nice visit to Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone! I was very impressed by the achievements to this date, especially the training of hundreds of young Beninese in the Garment Training Center, who will then be able to work for other companies in the sector that will soon be established in the Zone. This project is extremely ambitious considering its scope, its strong impact in terms of job creation, and its high local added value.”
Jean-Philippe PROSPERDirector at BOAD, AfDB representative
“I am a citizen who came to visit the Industrial Zone and who left very, very impressed. Very impressed because things have progressed quickly, very impressed because GDIZ will be the largest Industrial Zone in West Africa. All countries are looking for a development model. My feeling is that Benin has found its own.”
Lionel ZinsouEconomist and former Prime Minister of Benin
“Very honored to visit GDIZ ! I salute the vision of the President of Benin, H.E.M. Patrice Talon, who has made this great project possible. I have no doubt that this new vision of our African leaders will illuminate the whole continent and especially Burundi. Thank you for this enriching and life-saving vision for the youth!”
François HAVYARIMANABurundian Minister of National Education and Scientific Research
“Congratulations! Bravo to President Talon and the General Manager of SIPIBenin S.A. for GDIZ development which makes Benin shine in the world. Thank you for believing in Africa’s talents. Long live Benin, long live the Africa of creators. I wish you all the best for this project conceived by a futuristic President committed to the economic development of Benin.”
AlphadiFashion designer, UNESCO Ambassador
“I had heard a lot about Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone before visiting it. Despite the good feedback I had received, I was very surprised and impressed by the quality of the infrastructures in the Zone and by the speed of execution of the work. This is a very promising project for Benin! I am looking forward to a future partnership.”
Uche OFODILECEO of MTN Benin
“Well done for this work ! I am honored to have been able to visit this project which illustrates the successful path taken by Benin. We hope to see many Spanish partners investing in this beautiful project ! Thank you for the warm welcome.”
Juan Ignacio Sell SANZAmbassador of Spain to Benin
“It is a great honour for the BGFI Bank Group to support a vision and leadership for an Africa that is transforming and developing for the happiness and well-being of its people. Well done !”
Henri-Claude OYIMACEO of BGFI Bank Group
“No more dreams in Benin, only concrete projects being implemented. With Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone that we have just visited, our country, Benin, is taking giant steps towards its economic development. This is truly historic. We congratulate our Head of State for this commendable achievement.”
Pauline ATIOUKPE HOUNTONDJIDirector of the National Branch of the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) Benin
“The visit to Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone was very interesting! As an innovative project, GDIZ has the capacity to transform Benin’s economy and export sector over the next decade. The proposed value chain is very promising. We hope to see the projects successfully implemented!”
Samir GADIOHead of Africa Strategy - Standard Chartered Bank
“I am very impressed with the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone. My whole team also is very impressed. The Zone is incredible and there is a sense of emulation. You can feel that the Zone is making progress every day. I am also very pleased to see the seamless integration of the various departments and players.”
Gwendal EUZENManaging Director of BÉNIN CONTROL
“Outstanding ! I have visited the Industrial Zone of Glo-Djigbé with the members of the executive committee of the General Tax Directorate. What we saw was enticing and unique! An impressive number of people are working there. Benin is moving forward, Benin is developing. I salute the President of the Republic, Mr. Patrice TALON, a man with great vision.”
Nicolas YENOUSSIGeneral Tax Director of Benin
“Industrialisation is key to the development of a country. I thank President Patrice TALON who is making Benin a real land of opportunities for investors. After our visit to GDIZ, we were able to identify these opportunities and we left impressed and satisfied. We promise to be ambassadors of GDIZ in Senegal!”
Youssou N’DOURSinger-songwriter, Musician and Senegalese politician
“Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) reflects Benin's boldness and innovation: an inspiration for African countries with its immense potential for industrial development. We are committed to support, co-finance and co-invest in agribusiness projects, as a demonstration of our faith in Benin's vision and promising future!”
Arnaud FLORISCoordinator Africa - Bpifrance
“It was an honour to visit the facilities of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone. Benin, with its innovative approach to industrialisation, is emerging as a model for other countries in the sub-region!”
Joseph RIBEIRODeputy Managing Director of the African Development Bank for West Africa
“It is with great pride that I note the progress made by Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) over the past 30 months in the framework of the partnership between ARISE IIP and the Republic of Benin. APIX is firmly committed to the development of the Zone Économique Spéciale Intégrée de Diass (ZESID), and intends to learn from the success of GDIZ to create an equally thriving industrial zone.”
Abdoulaye BALDÉFormer Minister and Director of Investment Promotion and Major Projects Agency (APIX S.A.)
“I'm in complete awe of the facilities and infrastructure I've discovered in Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ)! The Zone stands out for its avant-gardism, placing it at the forefront of this type of infrastructure in Africa. My visit is just the beginning of a promising adventure. We're planning to set up a pharmaceutical production unit, with “Made In Benin” products manufactured at the heart of GDIZ.”
Bernard DELHEZManaging Director of Contipharma
“I am truly impressed by the efficiency of the work done in the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ)! The processes are fast and pragmatic, and that makes us even more keen to set up in the Zone quickly, given everything we've seen there.”
Simon GOMISProject Manager at INNOV BIOTECH
“I have to admit that I'm pleased and very impressed by what I witnessed following my visit to Benin, with GDIZ project. I'll be back with investors from Guadeloupe, so that they can discover the Zone and become part of this initiative!”
Guy LOSBARPresident of Guadeloupe Departmental Council
“I am impressed by the Government's ambition to steer Benin towards a sustainable development path. The investments underway in Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) undeniably offer new opportunities for inclusive growth, wealth creation and job opportunities. The World Bank is proud to be working with Benin towards economic and social development!”
Marie-Chantal UwanyiligiraWorld Bank Operations Director for Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Togo
“At Spiro, we are thrilled about our expansion into GDIZ. The strategic advantages that this modern and well-designed Industrial Zone offers are invaluable. Its rich ecosystem of diverse industries promotes cross-pollination of ideas and technologies. GDIZ is much more than a location for Spiro - it is a partner in progress, an ally in our mission to make a tangible difference to our planet and its people.”
DOMINIQUE NkurunzizaChief Marketing Officer at SPIRO
“All the best for Benin! I would like to thank you sincerely for this visit, which is highly enriching and promising for the future of the country. GDIZ has what it takes to build a flourishing future for Benin. There's no doubt that, with Paul's bakeries, we'll be able to make our mark on the country's history!”
Maxime HOLDERPresident of Holder Group
“What an improvement! What a success! Within a few months, the number of plants being built within the Zone increased tenfold. This is the result of a futuristic vision of the President of the Republic of Benin and of a massive work carried out by all the actors of the GDIZ. This project is impressive and will put Benin on the international scene!”
Marc VIZYAmbassador of France in Benin
“What an achievement! GDIZ is an impressive and ambitious project led by an efficient and imaginative team from ARISE IIP. It is a great opportunity for international companies to join Benin in this industrial revolution which is made possible through the Zone. Best wishes for successful execution of the plans!”
Shri G. BALASUBRAMANIANAmbassador of India in Benin
“I wish you all the best! It was a great pleasure to discover GDIZ and I was very satisfied with my visit, where I saw great warehouses and facilities. I wish Benin much success in the future!”
Dr Meshal ALMANSOURKuwait's ambassador to Benin
