Agro-industry as Catalyst for Growth and Regional Competitiveness
Benin’s agriculture, contributing 32.7% to the GDP and engaging more than 40% of the active population, lies at the heart of the country’s economy. Faced with climate challenges and the globalisation of markets, Benin has developed an ambitious strategy aimed at strengthening its agri-food sector. This approach rests on the local production of high-quality agricultural products such as pineapple, cotton, cassava, rice, and, more recently, cashew nuts and soybeans, which have become strategic economic priorities.
Local agro-industrial processing, a cornerstone of economic policies, is essential for adding value to primary production. Cutting-edge infrastructure, such as the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), plays a pivotal role in supporting this transformation, reducing post-harvest losses, and facilitating access to international markets. These efforts aim to enhance the competitiveness of Beninese products on the global stage while promoting the diversification of strategic value chains and fostering the development of a dynamic and resilient local agro-industry.
Besides, Benin is striving to adopt international quality standards to strengthen the export potential of its agricultural products. Local businesses, supported by public and private initiatives, focus on compliance with global standards to improve their competitiveness in international markets. Furthermore, marketing strategies tailored to each market, along with efforts to reinforce the “Benin” national brand are at the core of initiatives aimed at promoting Beninese products beyond the country’s borders.
What are the key levers to elevate the quality of Beninese products, enabling them to better comply with international standards and captivate global markets? In what ways can the national brand image of "Benin" be strengthened to conquer international markets, while fostering the development of the local agro-industry and contributing to job creation within the country?
