Bénin showcases industrial and investment opportunities in Kenya

The CEO of SIPI-BENIN S.A, Létondji Beheton, and the CEO of CDC Bénin, Maryse Lokossou, outlined the country’s industrial and financial strategy at the Africa Forward | Inspire & Connect event in Kenya. Organized with support from key development partners, the meeting served as a platform to highlight Benin’s investment potential and economic transformation agenda.

GDIZ: A driving force behind Benin’s industrialization

Létondji Beheton shared insights on his transition from international financial institutions back to Benin in 2016, where he joined the public sector to boost the business climate and drive industrial projects. He emphasized the rapid expansion of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), a 1,640-hectare special economic zone now hosting over 20 operational factories and generating around 25,000 jobs.

Despite progress, challenges such as high energy costs, limited access to competitive financing, and infrastructure gaps persist. Benin is tackling these by investing in industrial, energy, and logistics infrastructure to strengthen local processing of agricultural raw materials. The country aims to boost local transformation of cotton and cashew nuts, key sectors where Benin ranks among Africa’s top producers.

CDC Bénin mobilizes long-term capital for economic growth

Maryse Lokossou, CEO of CDC Bénin, described the institution—established in 2018—as a sovereign fund designed to channel long-term capital into strategic projects. With a background at the West African Development Bank (BOAD), she highlighted CDC Bénin’s role in financing initiatives that support sustainable economic transformation, particularly in cotton and cashew processing.

Data presented during the event showed that 13% of Benin’s raw cotton is now processed locally before export, while nearly half of exported cashew nuts undergo on-site transformation. These efforts align with broader goals of youth employment and skill development in industrial sectors.

Attracting global investors to Benin’s industrial future

Both leaders underscored the need for accelerated investment to meet Benin’s industrial ambitions. Maryse Lokossou reassured potential investors of CDC Bénin’s commitment to project risk mitigation, while Létondji Beheton emphasized the country’s structured ecosystem—combining industrial infrastructure, financial support, and strong political will. The participation in the event reflects Benin’s strategy to enhance its global appeal and secure foreign investments in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.