What if the next major agricultural hub for global investors is in West Africa? As Africa’s leading cotton producer and a fast-growing cashew exporter, Benin is the next big thing in agricultural investment. If you are looking to invest in agriculture, then Benin can be your perfect destination.

Agriculture plays a huge role in the economy, with more than 70% of the population involved in farming. The country’s rich soil and perfect climate make it a prime spot for growing crops that drive trade and provide income for thousands of families. Benin is home to some of the most important cash crops in Africa. Cotton, cashew nuts, pineapples, palm oil, and maize fuel the local economy and the country’s export markets. They help in creating new opportunities for investors who are ready to invest in Benin.

Let’s take alook and see how they’re opening doors for investment in Benin.

Upon reading this article, you will be able to,

Understand why Benin is emerging as a top agricultural investment hub in West Africa.

Discover the country’s leading cash crops—cotton, cashew, pineapples, and maize—and their role in driving exports.

Learn how initiatives like the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) are transforming raw crop exports into value-added products.

Explore investment opportunities in crop processing, sustainable farming, and agribusiness expansion.

Identify the key challenges in Benin’s agriculture sector and how strategic investment can overcome them.

Gain insights into how government support, economic stability, and infrastructure improvements are creating a favorable business environment for investors.

In the heart of Benin, cotton is a lifeline. Known as “white gold,” cotton has been the cornerstone of Benin’s agricultural economy for decades. It supports over 300,000 households, predominantly in the northern and central regions, and accounts for approximately 30% of the country’s export.

Benin has emerged as Africa’s leading cotton producer, surpassing traditional giants like Mali. In 2021, the country achieved a record production of 728,000 tons of raw cotton . This surge is attributed to favorable climatic conditions, dedicated smallholder farmers, and a supportive policy environment.

The nation’s cotton industry is concentrated in regions such as Alibori, Borgou, and Atacora, where the fertile soil and adequate rainfall create ideal growing conditions. The smallholder farmers cultivate the crop using traditional and modern techniques. These farmers supply cotton to ginning companies, which process it into lint and other by-products.

Despite its significant production, Benin has traditionally exported most of its raw cotton. In 2023, the country exported $490 million worth of raw cotton, with major destinations including Bangladesh, China, and Egypt . Thus, the country misses out on the added value of processed cotton.

To address this, the government has initiated the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). This zone will transform Benin into an industrial hub by processing agricultural products, including cotton, locally. This zone offers state-of-the-art infrastructure for cotton ginning, spinning, weaving, and garment production. Benin’s government has already invested €550 million in this initiative and it aims to process the entire cotton crop locally by 2030. This will help create immense employment opportunities.

There’s a growing movement towards organic cotton cultivation. Initiatives like the “Growing Benin’s Organic Cotton Sector” project have supported nearly 9,000 farmers in transitioning to organic practices, resulting in a 65% increase in organic cotton production . These efforts enhance environmental sustainability as well as opening up market opportunities.

For investors, this shift presents significant opportunities. They can help in developing value-added cotton products for both international and local markets. The GDIZ’s infrastructure has a favorable business environment. The government’s efforts combined with the country’s rich heritage, makes Benin a promising destination for investors.

Cashew nuts have become a cornerstone of Benin’s agricultural exports. In the 2023–2024 season, the country produced approximately 203,844 metric tons of cashew nuts, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. This upward trend reflects cahew’s expanding role in Benin’s economy.

The journey of Benin’s cashew industry began in regions like Borgou and Atakora, where fertile soils and favorable climates made cashew cultivation ideal. Borgou alone accounts for 50% of the national output. These areas have favorable climatic conditions and a growing network of smallholder farmers. These help propel the cashew nut production.

Over time, the sector has evolved, with initiatives like the BeninCajù program partnering with over 48,000 farmers to enhance yields and promote domestic processing. Benin’s cashew nuts have found markets in over eight countries, with India, Vietnam, and the United States being the principal importers. In 2023, the country exported 136,706,000 kg of cashew nuts, valued at $112 million

To enhance value addition, Benin is investing in local processing capabilities. The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) has enabled Benin’s shift from exporting raw cashews to processing them domestically. This initiative seeks to reduce reliance on raw exports and create employment opportunities within the country. It has a targeted processing capacity of 150,000 metric tons by 2026. GDIZ aims to position Benin as the third-largest cashew producer in West Africa.

The cashew sector presents promising opportunity for investment. Establishing or expanding processing units within GDIZ can capitalize on the growing demand for processed cashew products.​ One notable success is Benin Cashew SA, which loaded 555 containers of processed cashew nuts in November 2024, underscoring the country’s growing processing capabilities . With continued investment and support, the sector is poised for even greater success in the coming years.

Benin’s pineapple sector has been growing rapidly, and it’s easy to see why. The country’s pineapples are renowned for their sweetness, making them highly sought after in international markets. In 2023, Benin produced more than 372,000 tons of pineapples, placing it as one of the top producers in the world. Benin’s pineapples are a story of agricultural transformation, from humble beginnings to a globally recognized product.

Over the last decade, the pineapple sector in Benin has experienced significant growth. In the past, pineapples were grown primarily for local consumption. As the demand for high-quality, fresh pineapples grew, Benin began to invest in improving its production techniques and expanding its reach into international markets. By 2021, Benin produced approximately 406,220 tonnes of pineapples, positioning it among the top producers in Africa.

Most pineapples in Benin grow in the Atlantique Department. The tropical climate, along with fertile soil, makes these areas perfect for growing pineapples. Benin mainly grows two types of pineapples. These are sugarloaf and smooth cayenne. From these two, the sugarloaf kind has more widespread fame. It is mostly grown for exporting to other countries. It is also known as The “Pain de Sucre” variety. Known for its sweetness and size, sugarloaf has become Benin’s most prized pineapple. This variety is popular in West Africa, Europe, and beyond.

Benin’s pineapples started making becoming internationally. As a result, the country became more focused on improving its infrastructure to meet global standards. Exporting pineapples requires careful handling. Pineapples from Benin are now regularly shipped to neighboring West African countries, Europe, and even the Middle East. European markets, particularly in France and Germany, have shown a consistent demand for Benin’s pineapples. This shows the presence of a reliable export market for Benin’s pineapples.

Despite the growth, Benin’s pineapple industry faces its fair share of challenges. Farmers in rural areas still struggle with limited access to modern farming tools and technologies, and there are gaps in the processing infrastructure. There is a Lack of processing capacity.

A large portion of the harvested pineapples are sold fresh. This means that there is potential for creating processed products like canned pineapples, juices, and dried pineapples. Investors can help process pineapples into various products, adding value, and creating new markets.​

There are also challenges such as raw material shortages and limited access to advanced processing equipment. Investors have the opportunity to bridge this gap by establishing modern processing facilities, thereby increasing production efficiency and meeting both domestic and international demand. ​

The global demand for processed pineapple products, such as juice, dried fruit, and canned goods, is on the rise. Health-conscious consumers are driving this trend, seeking nutritious and convenient food options.

Benin has a strategic geographical position, sharing its borders with Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Niger. Its improving infrastructure makes it well-positioned to meet this growing demand. ​Furthermore, the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) offers a beneficial environment for such investments, providing infrastructure, tax incentives, and streamlined administrative processes.

Maize, or corn, is a part of Benin’s agricultural identity. In 2023, Benin’s maize production reached approximately 1.6 million metric tons, marking a slight decrease from the previous year but still reflecting the crop’s significance in the country’s agricultural landscape.

Maize cultivation in Benin is widespread, with nearly 80% of farmers engaging in its production. In regions like Ouémé and Plateau, maize farming is not just an occupation but a generational tradition, passed down through families over the years.

While maize is primarily grown for domestic consumption, Benin has begun to explore export opportunities. In 2023, the country exported approximately 1.47 million kilograms of maize, valued at over $442,000, to markets including the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Niger.

Maize farming in Benin faces challenges due to climate change, including droughts and floods that damage crops. In response, farmers are being trained in new techniques to adapt. The China-Benin Agricultural Demonstration Centre in Sèmè-Kpodji has introduced high-yielding maize varieties and modern farming methods to help farmers cope with these issues. These techniques, which include sowing seeds individually and using short-cycle varieties, have led to better yields.

The centre has promoted three Chinese maize varieties that are drought-resistant and can be harvested in 80-84 days. These methods have increased national maize yields from 1 to over 5 tons per hectare. However, farmers face challenges such as the high cost of fertilizers. Additionally, many farmers lack access to modern machinery needed to implement these techniques effectively.

While the training has shown promise, the lack of financial support and access to essential resources has limited its impact. To maximize the benefits of these farming techniques, investors make a huge impact.

Youth in Agriculture Initiative: Empowering the Next Generation

Benin is boosting maize production by training youth through the ENABLE-TAAT program. This program addresses challenges like poor soil, climate change, and lack of good seeds. 90 youth from six regions were trained to produce quality maize seeds, with support from the African Development Bank and local partners. They received land and equipment to practice their skills, and their first harvest will contribute 90,000 kg of maize seed. This will help cover 4,500 hectares and increase maize production by 18,000 tons annually. ENABLE-TAAT is creating job opportunities for youth while improving maize production in Benin.

With continued investment in these areas, the maize industry in Benin has the potential to strengthen food security and create long-term economic opportunities for all involved.

Let’s have a brief look at why Benin is a promising land for investors.

Over the years, Benin has proven to be a stable economy. espite global challenges, Benin’s economy has been growing steadily, with projections of 6.4% growth in 2025. This resilience is shows the country’s commitment to economic stability and development. The country is positioning itself as a resilient economy, which is a crucial factor when deciding where to invest your money.

The Beninese government has created an environment where businesses can thrive. One of the best examples is the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). This zone is designed to attract investors by offering perks like tax exemptions, customs duty exemptions, and VAT breaks on raw materials and equipment. The government has made it easier for businesses to get started, with a one-stop service that simplifies all the processes.

Infrastructure is a key focus in Benin, and the country is seeing significant improvements in areas like transportation, energy, and telecommunications. The development of special zones like GDIZ, along with other industrial projects, is creating a solid foundation for businesses to grow. With the right infrastructure in place, your business will have the support it needs to succeed in Benin.

The government in Benin is proactive when it comes to attracting foreign investment. The creation of the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx) is one such step. APIEx serves as a one-stop shop for investors, offering everything from tax incentives to protection for intellectual property. Additionally, the new Investment Code is designed to make doing business in Benin even easier, offering guarantees that protect investors’ rights and interests.

Agriculture is at the heart of Benin’s economy. If you’re in the agribusiness sector, there are huge opportunities here. Benin is known for its production of cash crops like cotton, cashew maize and pineapple as you have read in this article. The government is actively working to boost agricultural productivity and create value-added products, making it easier for investors to invest. Whether you’re interested in crop cultivation, processing, or even logistics, Benin’s agricultural sector has plenty of potential.

Benin offers a fertile ground for agricultural investment, with its rich soil, favorable climate, and the government’s growing commitment to industrialization. The country’s cash crops are significant for both the economy and export markets. With initiatives like the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone and growing support for sustainable practices, Benin is evolving into a prime destination for agricultural investment. Investors have an opportunity to contribute to a transformative sector while capitalizing on its future potential for profitability. Interested in exploring the opportunities in Benin? Wait no further and invest now!