Bénin showcases industrial and financial strategy at Kenya investment forum
The Bénin delegation highlights economic transformation at Kenya investment forum
The Director-General of SIPI-BENIN S.A, Létondji Beheton, and the Managing Director 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 Bpifrance, Business France, and Proparco, this high-level gathering brought together international economic and financial partners to explore investment opportunities in Africa’s emerging markets.
The two Béninois leaders outlined a strategy centered on local raw material processing, industrialization, and long-term capital mobilization. At the heart of their pitch was the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), a flagship initiative in Benin’s economic transformation agenda. Covering 1,640 hectares, this special economic zone is now home to over 20 operational factories and has already generated approximately 25,000 jobs, according to figures shared during the event.
GDIZ: A driving force for Benin’s industrial growth
Létondji Beheton, who returned to Bénin in 2016 to contribute to business climate improvements and industrial project development, emphasized the progress of the GDIZ. The zone symbolizes Benin’s commitment to overcoming Africa’s industrialization challenges, including energy costs, access to competitive financing, and the need for robust logistics infrastructure.
Benin is prioritizing investments in industrial, energy, and logistics infrastructure to enhance local processing of agricultural raw materials. Key sectors include cotton and cashew nut processing, with the country being one of Africa’s top producers of raw cotton. The goal is to increase the share of locally processed cotton—currently around 13%—and expand cashew nut processing, where nearly half of the export-bound production is now processed domestically.
CDC Bénin mobilizes long-term capital for economic transformation
Maryse Lokossou, Managing Director of CDC Bénin, highlighted the role of the public institution she leads. Established in 2018 by the Béninois government, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations serves as a sovereign wealth fund, mobilizing long-term resources to finance strategic projects.
With a background at the West African Development Bank (BOAD), she underscored CDC Bénin’s mission to support investments that sustainably drive the country’s economic transformation. The institution’s initiatives in cotton and cashew processing have already yielded measurable results, boosting local value addition before export.
An urgent call for international investment
The Béninois delegation made a compelling case to international investors at the forum, urging accelerated capital inflows to support industrial ambitions. Maryse Lokossou emphasized CDC Bénin’s readiness to partner with project promoters, mitigating investment risks in industrial ventures. Meanwhile, Létondji Beheton stressed the need for faster investment flows to align with Benin’s industrial growth targets.
The officials highlighted an already structured ecosystem combining industrial infrastructure, financial support, and strong political will. By participating in this event, Benin aims to bolster its appeal to foreign partners and attract fresh investments in industrial transformation, energy, and infrastructure development.
