The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) announced last week the start of construction work on the African Quality Assurance Center (AQAC) in the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin.

The construction of AQAC represents a major step in driving industrialization in Benin and throughout West Africa. The AQAC laboratory in the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone will offer world-class testing, inspection and certification services covering food and agricultural products, ensuring that “Made in Africa” products that meet the safety and quality standards required in local and international markets. This project aims to improve the compliance of African products with international standards, stimulate exports and support intra-African trade while ensuring the safety of these products for local consumption

According to the Director General of GDIZ, Létondji BEHETON, “The establishment of the AQAC laboratory within GDIZ is a radical change for the industrial ecosystem in Benin. It will not only raise the quality of locally processed products, but also open new doors for our exporters by ensuring compliance with international standards. This initiative reinforces the role of GDIZ as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation, investment attraction and the positioning of Benin as a regional leader in value-added production and trade.