The textile industry in West Africa is experiencing a transformative surge, propelled by the ambitious initiatives of ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP). Across nations like Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali, known for their robust cotton production, there’s a notable shift from traditional raw material exports to comprehensive industrialization.
At the helm of this transition is ARISE IIP, pioneering the conception, funding, development, and operation of industrial ecosystems across West Africa. Their vision extends to fostering vibrant African industries spanning various sectors, from Nigeria’s agricultural and non-agricultural domains to Benin’s cashew industry and Togo’s textile sector.
The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin emerges as a flagship in this narrative. With an estimated investment exceeding $1.4 billion and the potential to create over 300,000 jobs by 2030, GDIZ promises a significant economic and societal transformation. The ongoing construction of textile factories aims to produce high-quality “Made in Benin” garments, fueling an industrial revolution driven by the expertise of Beninese youth.
Recent milestones include Benin’s historic export of over 100,000 high-quality garments, proudly labeled “Made in Benin,” for renowned American brand The Children’s Place (TCP). Furthermore, with state-of-the-art laboratories ensuring fiber quality, GDIZ factories are expected to generate 15,000 direct jobs, aligning with Benin Textile’s goal of exclusively utilizing local cotton and labor.
In a push for local consumption, uniforms for the Benin Armed Forces are now entirely “Made in Benin” following collaboration between GDIZ and the Republic of Benin Police, setting a precedent for the entire African continent.
Meanwhile, in Togo, the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) by ARISE emerges as a catalyst for industrialization, focusing on processing premium-quality cotton. PIA’s burgeoning textile park boasts infrastructure meeting international standards, aiming to process over 100,000 tons of cotton annually in the long term.
Anticipated outcomes include the creation of 20,000 direct jobs and 80,000 indirect jobs, potentially contributing up to 21% of Togo’s GDP. This substantial economic impact not only benefits Togo but also augurs well for broader regional stability and growth.
PIA’s commitment extends to establishing textile training centers to groom young Togolese professionals, ensuring a skilled workforce for integrated textile industries within the zone. Notably, these training programs will be officially recognized by the Togolese government, marking a milestone in West African vocational education.
Another noteworthy collaboration is between ARISE and the Ogun State Government in Nigeria, establishing the Industrial Platform Remo (IPR), a world-class Free Trade Zone (FTZ) focused on agro-processing, non-agroprocessing, light manufacturing, and innovation. With a $400 million investment, IPR aims to create over 15,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs for Nigerian youth, further bolstering West Africa’s textile industry.
With increasing interest from international brands and initiatives like the “Made in Benin” campaign, West Africa is on track to bridge the gap between raw material production and industrialization, charting a prosperous path for the African textile industry.
