The Textile Market and Benin's Position

The global textile market, worth €943.92 billion in 2021, continues to grow. Thanks to a record production of 728,000 tons of raw cotton in 2021, Benin has established itself as one of Africa's leading textile players. In 2025, the sector's growth will be bolstered by dynamic local demand and a regional market estimated at €28.5 billion. Approximately 30% of cotton sector workers are employed by textile companies, highlighting their key role in the national economy.

Agriculture, a Pillar of Benin's Industry

Agriculture remains essential to Benin's industrial production. In 2023, it accounted for 78.2% of the primary sector's value added, or €3.30 billion, compared to €3.15 billion in 2022 (+4.8%). This growth, supported by investments in agricultural modernization, strengthens the country's industrial base. However, agriculture's share of the primary sector is declining slightly from the average of 78.7% between 2018 and 2022, indicating a gradual diversification of the economy.

Diversification: Oil, Gas, and Agribusiness

Although Benin is not a major oil producer, it still has 44 million barrels of reserves in 2025. However, the lack of a refinery forces it to export its crude oil and import refined products. Its gas reserves remain untapped, increasing its dependence on energy imports. The agro-industry is experiencing significant growth, particularly in edible oils, with 109,000 tonnes of vegetable oil produced in 2019. The African oils market, valued at €4.56 billion in 2021, is expected to reach €8.08 billion in 2029. Soybean production has also exploded, rising from 57,000 tonnes in 2009 to 222,000 tonnes in 2021, with a value multiplied by 16.

Outlook and Challenges

Between 2018 and 2023, agriculture contributed 3.9 percentage points to the growth of the primary sector. By 2025, the challenge is to accelerate the local processing of raw materials to maximize added value and reduce dependence on exports. Industrialization and infrastructure modernization remain major challenges for positioning Benin as a key player in African and international markets.

The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone: A Rapidly Expanding Hub

In 2024, the GDIZ generated 14,000 direct jobs, positively impacting many Beninese families. The GDIZ, managed by 14 operating industrial units and more than 36 investors, exported more than 2 million pieces of textiles compliant with international standards, consolidating Benin's position in the global market. Converting local resources into high-value-added finished products was also crucial in 2024.

Benin is moving at full speed along the industrialization highway, and it goes without saying that it has no plans to turn back! Between processed cotton, boosted soybeans, and still somewhat timid oil, each sector is contributing its efforts. Certainly, there are still challenges, but with so much energy, even the gas still underground must already be trembling with anticipation. A mix of seriousness and ambition... with just the right amount of spice to make it taste good.