Ginning, an essential link in promoting Beninese cotton worldwide
Ginning is a key a in the cotton industry. It is the industrial process by which the seed cotton delivered by producers is transformed into various products:
- Cotton fiber, intended for export and the global textile industry
- The main by-product, cottonseed, is used by oil mills and in animal feed.
- Other by-products (lint cleaner and gin motte)
In Benin, ginning is carried out exclusively by member companies of the National Association of Cotton Ginners (ANEC). Spread across the entire cotton-growing region, their 24 factories are equipped with modern machinery capable of processing several hundred thousand tons cotton seed each year.
This industrial link is essential for :
- Guaranteeing the quality and traceability of Beninese cotton
- Optimizing local processing and adding value to every part of the plant
- Strengthen the international competitiveness of Beninese cotton
- Contributing to the national economy through employment, taxation, and exports
Thanks to these investments and the expertise of the ginners, Benin has established itself as Africa’s leading cotton producer and a benchmark supplier of a fiber prized for its whiteness, length, and consistency.
Strong partnerships for an efficient and responsible cotton industry
ANEC works with national and international institutions that support Benin’s cotton industry.
Interprofessional Cotton Association (Association Interprofessionnelle du Coton - AIC)
The AIC is the umbrella organization for the cotton industry in Benin. It brings together all professional groups (producers and ginners) and provides overall coordination for the industry. ANEC sits on the AIC as the representative of ginners.
Cotton Research Institute (Institut de Recherche sur le Coton - IRC)
The IRC contributes to the continuous improvement of cotton production through research, varietal innovation, and technical support to stakeholders in the sector.
- Financial and development institutions – support for investment and industrial modernization.
- International textile partners – manufacturers, spinners, and brands committed to a sustainable relationship with Beninese cotton.
These partnerships enhance the quality, traceability, and international visibility of Beninese cotton.