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Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) (Benin)

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The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) is the most ambitious infrastructure project in the Republic of Benin, designed to spearhead the country's industrial transformation. This Special Economic Zone spans approximately 1,640 hectares and is located 45 kilometers north of Cotonou in the Atlantique Department. Launched in 2021 as a public-private partnership between the State of Benin and Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP), the project focuses on processing local agricultural raw materials. Key industries within the zone include cotton textiles, cashew nut processing, soy production, and pineapple canning, aiming to maximize domestic value addition. The GDIZ houses state-of-the-art factories, logistics hubs, and technical training centers that meet international standards. With an estimated target of creating 300,000 jobs by 2030, it serves as a critical engine for economic growth and poverty reduction. The zone attracts international investors through significant tax incentives and its strategic proximity to the Port of Cotonou, Benin's primary gateway to world markets.

Location: Benin
Nearby: Azizakouè (44 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	28	28	28	27	26	25	25	25	26	27	27
Rain mm	21	33	78	119	174	216	165	93	198	172	55	20

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) is a massive industrial project north of Cotonou, specializing in the processing of local raw materials such as cotton and cashew nuts. It aims to increase value addition in the country and create jobs.

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Visiting

GDIZ is a modern, planned industrial zone not open to tourism, but easily observable from outside. Along the main road to Parakou, one can admire the new factory buildings and infrastructure.

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Where to view it

A well-suited viewpoint is the hill at the southern entrance of the zone, from where the entire facility with solar panels and production halls is visible. From the country road east of the site, one also gets a good overall view.

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Local products

In GDIZ, mainly textiles from cotton, processed cashew nuts, and other agro-industrial products are manufactured. On local markets in the area, visitors find fresh cashew nuts, cotton fabrics, and traditionally dyed cloths.

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Active season

The main production period is after the harvest of cotton and cashew nuts, roughly from December to March. During these months, the zone is busiest as raw materials flow into the factories and processing runs at full speed.

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Nearby

A visit to GDIZ can be excellently combined with a trip to Cotonou and nearby traditional villages. Pendjari National Park in the north of the country also has an impressive combination of industrial development and African wilderness.

Geography

Coordinates

6.62000, 2.29000

Facts

The total area of the zone covers 1,640 hectares in the Atlantique Department.
The project officially commenced in 2021 as a public-private partnership.
Approximately 300,000 jobs are projected to be created within GDIZ by 2030.
The zone has an annual processing capacity of 100,000 tons of cashew nuts.
Integrated textile mills can produce up to 12.7 million garments per year.
A dedicated vocational training center on-site trains thousands of young professionals annually.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Drabo Monkey Sanctuary11 km · WExplore →

Sédent Forest15 km · EExplore →

Allada Pineapple Processing16 km · SExplore →

Hinvi Palm Oil Mill18 km · EExplore →

Sô River18 km · NWExplore →

Niaouli Forest19 km · SEExplore →

Abomey-Calavi Botanical Garden20 km · WExplore →

Rice Fields of the Ouémé Valley26 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is GDIZ?

A modern special economic zone in Benin for industrial processing.

Can you visit the zone?

Visits are mostly possible only for business purposes or groups by appointment.

What products are manufactured there?

Mainly textiles from local cotton and processed cashew nuts.

Where is Glo-Djigbé located?

About 45 kilometers north of Cotonou.

Are there jobs there?

Yes, it is a major project aimed at creating thousands of local jobs.

Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ): where is it located?

Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) is located in Benin.

Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ): when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ): why is it worth visiting?

The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) is the most ambitious infrastructure project in the Republic of Benin, designed to spearhead the country's industrial transformation.

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