Benin’s Ambitious Cotton Revolution: Aiming for Local Textile Production
Benin is aiming for a “revolution” in its cotton industry to develop a domestic textile sector and produce locally-made clothing. The government has launched initiatives, including the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone, to increase local cotton processing and support farmers. Projections suggest production will reach 669,000 tonnes, surpassing Mali. The goal is to process 50 percent of cotton locally while attracting foreign investment.
Benin is on the verge of a cotton “revolution” aiming to foster a domestic textile industry that produces locally-made clothing. Mathias Azonnoudo, a farmer, observes an increase in cotton demand as the government initiates efforts to bolster production for a “Made in Benin” clothing sector. He affirms the government’s engagement with business leaders has motivated farmers to expand their output, essential in transforming Benin’s cotton economy.
Historically, Benin has competed with Mali as Africa’s top cotton producer, primarily exporting raw fibers to countries such as Bangladesh and China. However, the nation now strives to enhance local processing of its cotton, referred to as “white gold,” to create 100 percent Beninese clothing products. Projections for the 2024-2025 season estimate cotton production in Benin to reach 669,000 tonnes, surpassing Mali’s expected output of 569,000 tonnes.
In 2020, President Patrice Talon inaugurated the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (GDIZ) to support this ambition, located 45 kilometers from the capital Cotonou. The industrial zone showcases various locally produced garments and provides comprehensive manufacturing facilities, including spinning and weaving. GDIZ recently marked its first clothing exports to the French retailer Kiabi, demonstrating its capability in the textile sector.
Letondji Beheton, the GDIZ managing director, stated that the industrial park works with approximately 21,000 farmers, currently processing 40,000 tonnes of cotton annually, with production output fluctuating between seven and ten million garments. Plans are in place for three additional garment manufacturing units, anticipated to increase the zone’s production capacity.
Under President Talon’s leadership since 2016, strides have been made towards privatizing the cotton industry to enhance its operations. According to agro-economist Nestor Adjovi Ahoyo, Benin now processes one-third of its cotton, primarily at GDIZ while smaller entities participate sparingly. The goal is to process 50 percent of locally produced cotton while exporting the remainder.
To realize this vision, Ahoyo insists that Benin must ramp up production capacity and attract foreign investment. Beheton envisions that in the next five to six years, Benin will host approximately 30 integrated textile facilities designed to process nearly all of its cotton.
In summary, Benin is making significant strides toward establishing a self-sufficient textile industry, focusing on increasing domestic cotton processing. The government’s initiatives, particularly the establishment of GDIZ, highlight a commitment to transforming the cotton sector. By boosting production and fostering foreign investment, Benin aims to realize its goal of a thriving local clothing market while reducing reliance on external processing.
Original Source: www.blackbeltnewsnetwork.com
Post Comment