The Country Office of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) in Benin – one of Africa’s leading cotton producers – organised a workshop in Cotonou on 31 July 2024 to provide feedback about a study on private sector players bringing fresh momentum to the country’s textile industry.

The meeting marked the end of a process that began on 9 March 2023 with a workshop dedicated to the sector. This has led to collecting important data for a better understanding of the issues in the industry faced by the West African country.

Attendees at the workshop included several experts and national authorities, including the Vice-President of Benin, Ms Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima, private-sector players operating at all stages of the local cotton value chain, support functions (finance, training, transport, logistics, etc.) and representatives from the country’s technical and financial partners.

The meeting helped to identify opportunities and make core proposals to strengthen efforts to dynamize the cotton industry.

The study revealed multiple opportunities for developing the textile value chain, ranging from production units for accessories to making, logistics, distribution and solutions for taking care of textile items. Other opportunities relate to producing textile items for medical use or for furnishing, cosmetics or the automotive or food industries. The sanitary towels sector alone could generate annual revenue of over USD 13 million (8 billion CFA francs) for the country.

The study emphasised the numerous opportunities for creating tens of thousands of skilled jobs for young people and women.

The report also highlighted the opportunities for the Bank to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the textile industry in Benin and called on senior leaders to take decisions that would support the development of new local industries.

As well as cotton-based textiles, the study pointed to the colossal economic potential and the opportunity to create over 45,000 jobs in a new industry based on pineapple-leaf fibre.

Ms Nathalie Daouda, an expert consultant in the private-sector textile industry at the African Development Bank’s Country Office in Benin, who carried out the study, commented: “The potential additional revenue for the Beninese economy is over USD 5 billion (FCFA 3,000 billion) a year. And it would not take much to make the forecasts a reality, since Benin already has the natural and human resources needed to do the work. The next step is to produce and implement a national plan. The Beninese government has provided ample evidence of its ability to tackle ambitious challenges.”

The Vice-President of the Republic, Ms Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima, congratulated the Bank on its commitment to supporting an inclusive economy in Benin but above all, for the “realism, completeness and feasibility” of the study. “This report (…) is a sort of strategic plan for strengthening our economy through the textile industry and is relevant to us because developing our economy by building on this sector will help create a large number of jobs,” she emphasized.

“This strategic plan is the first of the steps we need to take to move from ideas to action and from theory to practice,” added Ms Yérima. She highlighted the job-creation opportunities for women and young people but also the economic and social potential of the strategic use of pineapple-leaf fibre for the Beninese textile industry.

Ms Faridatou Yekini, the founder of Mod’Ukpè, which specializes in woven pagne cloth and producing clothes for women, recognized that several actions are underway to boost local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on women-led businesses. “I am especially pleased to see that it is now possible for young designers to get financial and other forms of support for their initiatives in the textile sector. This development marks a significant step towards the growth and sustainability of our industry,” she said delightedly.

“The African Development Bank has done well to create a favourable environment to encourage collaboration, particularly with visits to the Glo Djigbé industrial area and capacity-building sessions for small and medium-sized businesses. These initiatives helped to formalize and organize my business, Safari Textiles Afrique, and develop positive partnerships. The logical next step would be continuing to fund businesses that are working to bring themselves into line, backed by serious monitoring to ensure good management of the funds,” advocated Caleb Menou, co-founder of the Safari Textiles Afrique brand.

The head of the Bank’s Country Office in Benin, Robert Masumbuko, highlighted the economic and inclusive social development potential of the industry, which is a real windfall for Benin in his view. “The Beninese ecosystem is full of talented women and men who produce really beautiful textile items on a daily basis. But all of them have commented frequently on the need for a clear plan to help them increase not only volumes but also the quality of their training. They need help to acquire or access modern, quality equipment for processing and production and above all, to get access to local and international markets with high-quality, competitive textile solutions,” he commented.

One of the Bank’s missions in relation to the private sector is to intervene financially in a smart, agile manner to provide efficient support for actors in various value chains, concluded Mr Masumbuko. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé,
Communication and External Relations Department, 
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the grand reopening of the newly renovated tennis facility at Roche Caiman yesterday afternoon. The President was accompanied by Minister of Sport and Family, Mrs. Marie Celine Zialor and Minister of Finance, Mr. Nadir Hassan, highlighting the government’s commitment to sports development in Seychelles.

The extensive renovation project, which included the complete overhaul of five tennis courts, was funded by the Government of Seychelles and the International Tennis Federation. This project marks a significant milestone in Seychelles’ tennis history, promising to elevate the nation’s tennis profile and provide athletes with an optimal training environment.

Ms. Fatime Kanté, President of the Seychelles Tennis Association, expressed her gratitude to the Government, the International Tennis Federation, and all sponsors for their unwavering support. She praised the new facility as “a remarkable leap forward” and encouraged users to make the most of the upgraded courts, reflecting the transformative impact anticipated for both grassroots and professional tennis in the country.

A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Minister Zialor and Mr. Marc Arrisol, CEO of the Seychelles National Sports Council, symbolizing the collaborative effort behind this monumental project.

In her address, Minister Zialor emphasized the government’s dedication to nurturing sporting talent and improving sports infrastructure. “The five new tennis courts are the first batch of major renovation inaugurated under the new administration; they embody the government’s commitment and our nation’s aspirations in sports excellence. We are investing in the dreams of our young athletes and the future of Seychellois tennis” she said.

The revamped tennis facility is poised to host national and international tournaments, fostering a competitive spirit and providing a platform for Seychellois athletes to showcase their skills on home ground.

Also present at the ceremony were Principal Secretary for Youth and Sports, Mr. Ralph Jean-Louis, members of the Seychelles Tennis Association, a group of young tennis athletes, sponsors, invited guests, and representatives from Green Island Construction Company, Adam&Sons, Dubai, and Civil Engineer Construction.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

President Wavel Ramkalawan welcomed a delegation from the Seychelles Soroptimist International Club of Victoria to State House yesterday morning for a courtesy call. Their visit coincided with the club’s 30th anniversary, marked by a generous donation of SCR 100,000 to the December 7th Disaster Fund. The club’s president, Mrs. Jannick Durup-Bibi, officially presented the cheque to President Ramkalawan.

“It is always a pleasure to meet members of associations who are making positive contributions to our society. Our sincere appreciation for your fund-raising effort towards such an important cause to help our fellow brothers and sisters in need. I wish to also take the opportunity to convey our appreciation for wide range of Seychelles other charities and projects over the past 30 years. You have sure touched many loves,” said President Ramkalawan 

During the visit, the Soroptimist delegation shared key achievements and projects implemented over the past three decades and discussed their future plans.

The delegation included President-Elect Dr. Vanessa Ferley, Public Relations and Marketing Officer Mrs. Rose-Mary Hoareau, Project and Action Committee member Ms. Myra Labiche, and Club Secretary Ms. Tania Laporte.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is gravely concerned by rising abductions, allegedly carried out by the National Salvation Front (NAS) and other armed elements, in the greater Yei region of Central Equatoria state, predominantly impacting Yei River, Morobo and Lainya counties.

Last month itself, UNMISS received reports of some 12 such cases, affecting 134 individuals, six of whom are children. The abduction of children, in particular, exposes them to various risks including possible recruitment and use in armed conflict; sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking; and other forms of exploitation.

“Children as well as adults in captivity must be released immediately and unconditionally. Such incidents not only go against international human rights and humanitarian law but also have a devastating impact on communities, creating fear and uncertainty,” said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.

“We urge the Government of South Sudan to conduct immediate investigations and remind involved parties of their human rights obligations. We also call for collective action by all stakeholders, including the Government, to strengthen measures that prevent recurring abductions and bring perpetrators to justice swiftly,” added the top UN official.

Abductions remain an ongoing threat to security and peacebuilding efforts. For its part, UNMISS is proactively engaging with relevant national, state, and local authorities on this issue.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).