How ARISE IIP is creating jobs, strengthening West Africa’s textile industry

As West Africa’s textile sector continues to undergo revitalization, propelled by the ambitious endeavours of ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) and renowned for its robust cotton production, there’s a palpable shift from traditional exports to comprehensive industrialization.

At the forefront of this paradigm shift is ARISE IIP, leading the charge in conceiving, funding, and operating industrial ecosystems across the region.

Their vision transcends borders, nurturing dynamic African industries across sectors, from Nigeria’s agriculture to Benin’s cashew sector and Togo’s textile industry.

The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin epitomises this progress. With an investment exceeding $1.4 billion, GDIZ is poised to generate over 300,000 jobs by 2030, heralding a significant economic and social metamorphosis.

The construction of textile factories heralds a new era of “Made in Benin” garments, catalyzing an industrial revolution driven by Beninese expertise.

Benin’s recent milestone, exporting over 100,000 high-quality garments labelled “Made in Benin” to renowned American brand The Children’s Place (TCP), underscores the region’s potential. State-of-the-art laboratories at GDIZ ensure premium fibre quality, aligning with Benin Textile’s vision of local cotton utilisation and employment.

In Togo, the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) by ARISE emerges as a catalyst for industrialization, focusing on premium-quality cotton processing. PIA’s textile park, designed to process over 100,000 tonnes of cotton annually, is poised to create 20,000 direct jobs and 80,000 indirect jobs, potentially contributing up to 21% of Togo’s GDP.

PIA’s commitment extends to grooming a skilled workforce through textile training centres, a milestone recognised by the Togolese government. Additionally, ARISE’s collaboration with the Ogun State Government in Nigeria, establishing the Industrial Platform Remo (IPR), aims to create over 15,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs, further strengthening West Africa’s textile industry.

With growing interest from international brands and initiatives like the “Made in Benin” campaign, West Africa is poised to bridge the gap between raw material production and industrialization, paving the way for a prosperous future in the African textile industry.