Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone

GDIZ is a 1,640-hectare industrial ecosystem designed to transform Benin’s high-quality commodities into globally competitive exports. Its strategic proximity to Cotonou Port, strong government partnership, and integrated infrastructure position it as a high-growth gateway for investors entering West Africa’s manufacturing surge.

Over 40 industries already operate at GDIZ, from cashew and soya processing to integrated textile clusters, ceramics, e-mobility, and pharmaceuticals. This active multi-sector ecosystem gives investors immediate access to established value chains, export markets, and proven industrial momentum.

As Africa’s top seed-cotton producer with premium cashew quality, Benin offers strong value-capture potential. GDIZ enables full transformation from raw commodities to finished exports, allowing investors to unlock significant margin uplift across European and U.S. markets.

GDIZ’s first phase is set to attract $1.4B maximizing employment opportunities by 2030 with signals of strong national commitment and scalable growth. Across ARISE IIP zones, 400+ companies have mobilized $7B, demonstrating credible returns and deep investor confidence in the GDIZ model.

Global brands like KIABI and U.S. Polo Assn. already source millions of garments annually from GDIZ. Their presence validates Benin’s quality standards, strengthens international trust, and shows investors the zone’s readiness for large-scale global supply chain integration.

With 100% CMiA-certified cotton, renewable energy, and advanced water treatment systems, GDIZ meets rising global expectations for ethical, low-impact production. Combined with sub-20-day shipping to Europe, it offers a compelling sustainable alternative to traditional Asian manufacturing hubs.

GDIZ is projected to create 300,000 jobs by 2030, signalling a rapidly expanding, cost-efficient labour pool. With 50,000+ jobs already active across similar zones, investors gain access to scalable manpower, competitive labour costs, and the ability to ramp production at higher margins.

The African Development Bank’s $100M investment into ARISE IIP underscores high institutional confidence in GDIZ’s model. This backing accelerates expansion, strengthens investor assurance, and validates GDIZ as a transformative engine for Africa’s industrialization.

Located just 45km from Cotonou Port, GDIZ offers rapid export access and seamless ECOWAS connectivity, including Nigeria and the Ivory Coast markets. Its position along the future Abidjan–Lagos corridor enhances competitiveness and long-term regional dominance.

GDIZ provides quota-free, duty-free access to Europe through EBA and GSP, paired with faster shipping times and sustainable cotton sourcing. For investors, this creates a clear tariff, speed, and compliance advantage over traditional Asian manufacturing locations.

GDIZ offers ready-built factories, reliable utilities, solar-powered energy, warehousing, and integrated supply chains. A single-window clearance system streamlines operations, enabling investors to move from setup to production with speed, certainty, and significantly reduced overhead.

ARISE IIP’s track record, 400+ companies and $7B mobilized proves the strength of its PPP-led approach. GDIZ showcases a replicable industrial blueprint that delivers scale, efficiency, and tangible value-chain transformation across Africa.