(Ecofin Agency) - Benin, a major cotton supplier in West Africa alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, has taken significant steps to industrialize its textile sector with government support in recent years.

On June 14, the Zone Industrielle de Glo-Djigbé (GDIZ) in Benin launched the delivery of 80,000 locally-produced children's leggings to the French ready-to-wear chain KIABI. This milestone, announced in a press release on the GDIZ website, signifies Benin's inaugural shipment of "Made in Benin" clothing to Europe.

Létondji Beheton, Director of Société d'Investissement et de Promotion de l'Industrie (SIPI-BENIN S.A.) overseeing GDIZ development, emphasized the significance of this shipment under a supply agreement with KIABI. "By the end of 2024, we will produce 2 million garments for KIABI, showcasing our capability to meet international standards while upholding high-quality norms," Beheton disclosed. KIABI operates 563 stores across France, Spain, Italy, Africa, and the Middle East.

GDIZ has also secured supply contracts with other prominent international brands, including the American children's clothing retailer The Children's Place (TCP) and U.S. Polo Assn.