In West Africa, the Republic of Benin has quietly become a center for sourcing textiles for both domestic and foreign markets. The UAE-based Arise IIP, in a joint venture with the Republic of Benin, has established a 1640-industrial cluster in the Glo Djibe Industrial Zone (GDIZ), 45 kilometers from Cotonou, which has contributed to the Benin Republic’s ascent as the hub for ultra-modern textile facilities.
Taking advantage of the area’s close proximity and favorable market access, the vertically integrated textile and garment companies in the zone manufacture ready-made clothing and home textiles for the European and American markets.
According to reports, the GDIZ is anticipated to create 300,000 jobs and draw $1.4 billion in investment by 2030. The WTO, UNIDO, and ITC have acknowledged the Benin Republic as the greatest cotton producer in Africa and as a member of the “C4+” cohort. 
According to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), 60% of Africa’s two million tons of cotton are produced in the “C4+” nations of Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Ivory Coast.
The revolution of the cotton-textile industry in West Africa was ushered in by the “Partenariat pour le Coton” (Partnership for Cotton) plan, which was introduced during the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi in January 2024.
Benin Republic catalyzed the transformation of the textile industry in ECOWAS, as Ghana and Togo have also attracted large-scale FDI apparel manufacturing for exports.
Navdeep Sodhi, an international textile expert, maintained that by creating value chain connections from Cote d’Ivoire to Cameroon, West and Central Africa may develop into a vibrant center for the manufacturing of textiles and apparel for both regional and global markets.
