The Benin Republic is set to play a key role in the production of jerseys for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under the “Made in West Africa” initiative launched by FIFA.
The project is designed to strengthen the cotton and textile value chain across the region by ensuring that part of the tournament’s merchandise is manufactured within West Africa.
Benin, regarded as Africa’s largest cotton producer, will serve as a major contributor to the initiative.
Cotton production accounts for nearly 40 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, making the sector a crucial pillar of its economy.
Through the program, FIFA aims to boost local production capacity while creating employment opportunities in the textile and garment industries.
The initiative is also expected to expand beyond Benin to other West African nations including Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Ivory Coast.
If successfully implemented, the project could significantly stimulate economic growth in the region by promoting local manufacturing and increasing global demand for West African cotton products.
