Benin: How Benin Is Turning Its Cotton Wealth Into An Industrial Economy

Benin is leveraging its status as West Africa's largest cotton producer to develop an industrial economy by processing cotton into fabrics and garments at the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). Workers like Inès Alowakinnou are gaining experience in this growing industry, while the country aims to increase the added value of its exports. In the 2025/26 season, Benin harvested 533,590 tonnes of cotton, reinforcing its position in the CFA franc zone.