In a bold move to accelerate regional integration and unlock new investment flows, the Benin–Nigeria Business Forum is poised to become a defining moment for West African commerce.
This high-profile, private-sector-led initiative, organized by the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Benin) alongside key partners including the Glo-DjigbĂ© Industrial Zone (GDIZ), APIEX, CDCB, and Afreximbank, will convene top business leaders in Nigeria’s twin economic capitals: Abuja on January 26 and Lagos on January 28, 2026.
The timing could not be more strategic. With bilateral diplomatic momentum building and both nations actively dismantling trade barriers under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the forum promises to deliver tangible opportunities for cross-border collaboration, B2B matchmaking, and government-backed partnerships that harness Nigeria’s vast market and entrepreneurial energy alongside Benin’s rapidly emerging industrial prowess.
At the heart of the discussions lies the Glo-DjigbĂ© Industrial Zone (GDIZ), West Africa’s flagship integrated industrial ecosystem, recently crowned the best industrial zone in Africa and ranked 7th globally by fDi Intelligence (Financial Times) in 2025.
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Spanning 1,640 hectares and developed through a transformative public-private partnership between the Republic of Benin and ARISE IIP, GDIZ is already driving real results: massive garment exports to international brands such as French retailers KIABI and GEMO, scaled-up agro-processing in cashew, soya, and pineapple, and a clear roadmap to attract over $1.4 billion in investments while generating up to 300,000 jobs by 2030.
On the ground, the zone buzzes with activity, from modern production lines in textiles and agro-processing to efficient warehouses supporting rapid export growth:
This high-stakes gathering underscores the complementary strengths of Africa’s two neighbors: Nigeria’s scale and innovation paired with Benin’s strategic location and world-class industrial infrastructure. For Nigerian investors, MSMEs, and corporate players, particularly those affiliated with NACCIMA, the forum offers a prime gateway to explore bankable projects, forge strategic alliances, and position themselves at the forefront of South–South cooperation.
As West Africa edges closer toward seamless economic unity, the Benin–Nigeria Business Forum stands as a powerful catalyst for shared prosperity.
