Bénin showcases industrial growth and investment opportunities in Kenya

The Managing Director of SIPI-BENIN S.A, Létondji Beheton, and the CEO of CDC Bénin, Maryse Lokossou, recently presented the country’s industrial and financial strategy at the Africa Forward | Inspire & Connect event in Kenya. Organized with the support of key international partners, the forum highlighted Benin’s potential as a prime investment destination.

The two Beninese leaders outlined a vision centered on local value addition, industrialization, and long-term capital mobilization. A key highlight was the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), a flagship project in Benin’s economic transformation agenda. Spanning 1,640 hectares, the zone now hosts over twenty operational factories, contributing to the creation of around 25,000 jobs.

Létondji Beheton, who previously worked in international financial institutions, shared his journey back to Benin in 2016 to help improve the business climate and drive industrial projects. He emphasized the progress of the GDIZ while acknowledging challenges such as energy costs, access to competitive financing, and the need for robust logistics infrastructures.

To overcome these hurdles, Benin is investing in industrial, energy, and logistics infrastructure to boost local processing of agricultural commodities. The country aims to significantly increase the transformation of cotton and cashew nuts—both critical sectors where Benin ranks among Africa’s top producers.

The role of long-term capital in Benin’s economic transformation

Maryse Lokossou, CEO of CDC Bénin, introduced the public institution established in 2018 to act as a sovereign wealth fund. The fund is designed to mobilize long-term resources for strategic projects, particularly in industrial transformation.

She highlighted the progress in local processing, with 13% of raw cotton now refined domestically before export and nearly half of exported cashew nuts processed locally. These efforts are expected to create jobs and build industrial skills among young professionals.

A call to global investors for sustainable growth

Addressing international investors at the event, the Beninese representatives underscored the structured ecosystem combining industrial infrastructure, financial support, and strong political commitment. CDC Bénin is positioned to partner with project developers to mitigate investment risks, while SIPI-BENIN S.A stressed the urgency of accelerating investment flows to meet industrialization goals.

The participation in Africa Forward | Inspire & Connect reflects Benin’s strategy to enhance its global profile and attract foreign investment across industrial processing, energy, and infrastructure sectors.