The CEOs of SIPI-BENIN S.A and CDC Bénin took center stage in Nairobi to unveil the country’s industrial and financial blueprint at Africa Forward | Inspire & Connect. The high-profile event, supported by key French and Kenyan institutions, served as a platform to highlight investment opportunities in Benin’s growing economy.
Speaking to a global audience of investors and financial partners, Létondji Beheton and Maryse Lokossou outlined a strategy centered on local raw material processing, industrialization, and long-term capital mobilization. At the heart of Benin’s economic transformation lies the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), touted as a cornerstone of the government’s industrial policy.
GDIZ emerges as a key driver of Benin’s industrial growth
In his address, Létondji Beheton shared insights into his transition from international financial institutions to leading SIPI-BENIN S.A. Since his return in 2016, he has focused on improving the business climate and spearheading industrial projects. His presentation highlighted the rapid expansion of the GDIZ, a 1,640-hectare economic zone now home to over twenty operational factories and more than 25,000 jobs.
Despite these advancements, Benin faces persistent challenges in industrialization, including high energy costs, limited access to competitive financing, and logistical infrastructure gaps. To address these issues, the country is prioritizing investments in industrial, energy, and logistics infrastructure to boost local processing of agricultural commodities like cotton and cashew nuts—sectors where Benin ranks among Africa’s top producers.
CDC Bénin champions long-term capital for economic transformation
Maryse Lokossou, CEO of CDC Bénin, emphasized the role of the state-backed sovereign wealth fund established in 2018. Designed to mobilize long-term resources, CDC Bénin supports strategic projects aligned with the country’s economic transformation goals. Lokossou, formerly with the West African Development Bank (BOAD), noted that investments in cotton and cashew nut processing have already increased local value addition, with 13% of raw cotton and nearly 50% of export-bound cashew nuts now processed domestically.
The strategy’s broader impact includes job creation for youth and skills development in industrial sectors. Both leaders underscored the progress made while acknowledging the need for accelerated investment to meet ambitious industrial targets.
Benin seeks global investors to fuel industrial growth
Addressing international stakeholders, Maryse Lokossou reaffirmed CDC Bénin’s readiness to partner with project developers, offering risk mitigation support. Létondji Beheton echoed the call for faster investment flows to sustain the country’s industrial momentum. Together, they presented Benin as a structured ecosystem combining industrial infrastructure, financial backing, and strong political will.
The goal: to enhance Benin’s appeal to foreign investors and attract capital into industrial processing, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
