West Africa is poised to claim a prominent place on the global stage in the textile industry, spurred by the ambitious initiatives of ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP). Countries across the region, including Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali, known for their significant cotton production, are undergoing a transformational shift from traditional raw cotton exports to full-fledged industrialization.
ARISE IIP is at the forefront of this transition, spearheading the design, financing, development, and operation of industrial ecosystems throughout West Africa. Its vision encompasses the establishment of dynamic African industries across various sectors, including Nigeria’s agro and non-agro industries, Benin’s cashew industry, and Togo’s textile sector, among others.
The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin stands out as a flagship in this transformation. With a projected investment of at least $1.4 billion and the expected creation of over 300,000 jobs by 2030, GDIZ promises a significant economic and social metamorphosis. The textile factories under construction are intended to produce high-quality “Made in Benin” clothing, thus fostering an industrial revolution driven by the pride of trained Beninese youth.
A few months ago, Benin made history by exporting over 100,000 high-quality garments, including leggings, polo shirts for girls and boys, proudly labeled “Made in Benin” for the prestigious American brand The Children’s Place (TCP). Additionally, with an ultramodern laboratory to ensure fiber quality, GDIZ factories are expected to generate 15,000 direct jobs alone, contributing to Benin Textile’s goal of exclusively transforming Beninese cotton and employing local labor.
In a “Consume Local” dynamic, after producing uniforms for schools or private/public enterprises, all uniforms for the Benin Armed Forces are now 100% Made In Benin. The first batch of tens of thousands of uniforms has already been delivered to date.
This exemplary collaboration between GDIZ – Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone and the Republic of Benin Police is an inspiration for the entire African continent.
In Togo, the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) by ARISE positions itself as a driver of industrialization, focusing on transforming premium-quality cotton. PIA’s rapidly growing textile park offers infrastructure compliant with international standards, aiming to process over 100,000 tons of cotton annually in the long run.
PIA’s textile park is expected to create 20,000 direct jobs and 80,000 indirect jobs. Through this project, PIA could contribute up to 21% of Togo’s GDP.
PIA’s textile park anticipates generating 20,000 direct jobs and 80,000 indirect jobs, offering a significant boost to Togo’s economy. With such projections, PIA has the potential to contribute up to 21% of Togo’s GDP, showcasing its pivotal role in the country’s economic development. This substantial job creation and economic contribution not only benefit Togo but also have positive implications for the broader West African region, fostering economic growth and stability.
Within PIA, textile training centers have been established to train young Togolese in textile-related professions. The objective is to professionalize them to ensure the smooth operation of operations in the integrated textile industries in the zone.
In addition to benefiting from suitable infrastructure, these training programs will be certified and recognized by the Togolese government! A first in West Africa.
Another standout establishment is ARISE partnering with the Ogun State Government to establish Industrial Platform Remo (IPR), a world-class Free Trade Zone (FTZ) focused on agro-processing, non-agroprocessing, light manufacturing, and innovation with an investment of $400 million in Nigeria. The zone is set to create over 15,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs for Nigerian youths. This collaborative effort aims to provide a conducive environment for transformation, efficiency, and growth, further bolstering West Africa’s textile industry.
With growing interest from international brands such as TCP, Zara, FIFA, and Kiabi, and projects such as the “Made in Benin” campaign, West Africa is poised to bridge the gap between raw material production and industrialization, envisioning a prosperous future in the African textile industry.
