The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) has officially welcomed GEMO, a major French ready-to-wear label, into its growing network of international textile partners. The move reinforces GDIZ’s standing as a central hub for garment production in West Africa.
Founded in 1991 and part of the Eram Group, GEMO is known for delivering affordable, high-quality fashion for the whole family. The brand operates over 400 retail locations across Europe and maintains a strong e-commerce presence, with a firm focus on sustainability, traceability, and social inclusion.
This new partnership kicks off with the first shipment of over 50,000 garments produced by Benin Textile Corporation, a GDIZ-based manufacturer. The collaboration aims to scale up quickly, targeting 1 million garments by the end of 2025, and 3 million units in 2026.
“This first shipment confirms GDIZ’s appeal as a global-standard textile platform,” said Létondji Beheton, CEO of SIPI-Benin. “With brands like KIABI, The Children’s Place, US POLO ASSN., and now GEMO onboard, Benin is becoming a top destination for sustainable, competitively priced garment production.”
Brice Berrard, Chief Sourcing Officer at GEMO, added: “Partnering with GDIZ aligns perfectly with our nearshoring strategy. Producing in Benin, using local certified cotton under socially responsible conditions, enables us to reduce our carbon footprint while delivering real innovation.”
GDIZ has rapidly gained credibility for its ability to meet international standards in production volume, quality control, delivery timelines, and compliance with social and environmental norms. The zone’s integrated infrastructure and access to traceable West African cotton have made it especially attractive to brands pursuing sustainable sourcing and ethical manufacturing.
Textiles: A Catalyst for Benin’s Industrial Transformation
Talks between GEMO and GDIZ began in June 2024, culminating in a partnership that symbolizes Benin’s growing influence within the global fashion ecosystem—particularly in the French-speaking textile market. The collaboration marks a major step forward in Benin’s broader industrial transformation, leveraging textiles as a strategic growth sector.
