This initiative showcases Benin's ability to satisfy global market demands and maintain exceptional quality standards.

The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) has announced its first shipment of "Made in Benin" garments to Europe. This initial consignment of 80,000 meticulously crafted children's leggings is destined for the prestigious French brand KIABI. KIABI is renowned for its chain of stores offering clothing and accessories for women, men, children, and babies, with nearly 563 retail outlets across France, Spain, Italy, Africa, the Middle East, and Overseas Departments and Regions (DROM). This order marks the beginning of a successful collaboration between SIPI-Bénin and KIABI, with an order alignment of 2 million clothing pieces for 2024 and 4 million for 2025.

After two years of productive discussions and negotiations, this initial export of 80,000 meticulously crafted "Made in Benin" children's leggings within the Zone represents a significant milestone in the development of Benin's textile industry. This initiative underscores Benin's ability to meet stringent international market requirements and maintain exceptional quality standards. KIABI joins esteemed brands like The Children's Place (TCP) and US POLO ASSN, with whom clothing delivery contracts have already been established, further solidifying GDIZ's position as a pivotal hub for textile production in Africa.

Mr. Létondji BEHETON, Managing Director of SIPI-Bénin S.A, stated: “This first export of children's leggings to KIABI is a source of immense pride for us and serves as tangible proof of our commitment to promoting the Beninese textile industry on the international stage. It marks the beginning of a long series of exports for the French brand KIABI. By the end of 2024, we will produce 2 million pieces of clothing for KIABI, demonstrating our ability to meet international standards while maintaining high quality. Currently, KIABI is increasingly focusing on collaboration with Africa for its garment production and plans to expand its retail presence on the continent. With its dynamism and quality workforce, Benin is ideally positioned to seize the new market opportunities offered by KIABI.”

Mr. Penagos JUAN, CEO of KIABI Sourcing, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Investment and Promotion Company for Industry in Benin (SIPI-Bénin S.A), responsible for the development, promotion, and management of GDIZ.

This initiative aligns perfectly with KIABI's strategy of establishing closer proximity between our production sites and points of sale. We have several stores in Africa, and the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) now enables us to manufacture KIABI garments locally. Our objective is to produce thirty million pieces in Africa, and ARISE has proven to be the ideal partner for achieving this goal through sustainable practices and the utilization of 100% Made in Africa cotton. We are embarking on this exciting journey with great enthusiasm and are honored to collaborate with ARISE and the Republic of Benin.