--- title: AfricaMadeIt-EN --- [![](https://resources.africapractice.com/hs-fs/hubfs/emaillogoap-2.jpg?width=400&height=80&name=emaillogoap-2.jpg)](https://www.africapractice.com) # Africa produces the raw materials, but loses the manufacturing jobs, skills and economic value that come with turning them into finished products. The time has come to change that. Video player - Untitled Design - Click to play video # Africa forfeits nearly 2 million direct manufacturing jobs to foreign economies by shipping up to 98% of our raw cotton overseas. We bleed a USD 35 billion trade deficit every year. Yet, the African cotton industry presents an undeniable opportunity to transform natural wealth into sovereign economic power. We can build and sustain 4.8 million permanent jobs across the continent, unlocking about USD 74 billion into local household incomes year after year. What will it take? A USD 10 billion continental investment and a collective commitment. **Power. Protect. Purchase #AfricaMadeIt** Benin is already doing it. The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) has expanded domestic processing within two years to absorb 30% of Benin's cotton harvest when historically, it exported up to 98% of its raw cotton lint to Asian spinning hubs. Today, the zone produces 7 million to 10 million finished garments annually for domestic and global buyers. Benin's current account deficit dropped from 6.2% of GDP in 2024 to 5.7% in 2025, and it targets the creation of 300,000 formal industrial jobs by 2030. Africa can leverage the Benin cotton success story to become a self-reliant and globally competitive continent. Building an integrated textile ecosystem will unlock immense economic power, high-value investments, and shared prosperity for its people. #AfricaMadeIt is a strategic advocacy movement designed to pivot Africa’s role from a primary exporter of raw materials to a global powerhouse that controls, processes and monetises its own resources, starting with the cotton value chain and the fashion industry. We call for action to **Power, protect and purchase #AfricaMadeIt** by securing competitive energy for local mills, opening fast-track customs green corridors, shutting down illicit imports, and driving continental demand with every fibre and fashion purchase you make. Join the [**movement**](https://africamadeit.co/)and spread the word. Follow us on social media: LinkedIn [**@AfricaMadeIt**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/africamadeit/home/) | Instagram [**@africa\_madeit**](https://www.instagram.com/africa_madeit/) Together we can #BuildForPower. ![Screenshot 2026-11-05 at 09.57.34](https://resources.africapractice.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-05%20at%2009.57.34.png "Screenshot 2026-11-05 at 09.57.34") ### 2 million jobs Our raw material exports currently enable 2 million jobs abroad. We can onshore these. ### USD 34 billion 34 billion in additional annual contributions to the continent’s GDP are at stake. ### USD 33 billion We can increase our household income, largely benefiting women and children, by USD 33 billion each year. ### USD 10 billion That’s what it takes to make this a reality. Once off. If we don’t do it, we continue to pay a penalty of USD 35 billion. Annually. ### Power **Power our mills. Open trade corridors** Africa requires dedicated, subsidised industrial power tariffs for textile and garment hubs. Africa's textile industry depends on efficient customs systems and fair trade enforcement. ### Protect **Stop illegal imports** The continent must enforce strict anti-dumping regulations and crack down on smuggled foreign garments to protect African industries, safeguard local jobs and strengthen domestic production. ### Purchase **Buy African** Africa's economic sovereignty depends on converting cultural pride into purchasing power. Buy African-manufactured apparel, reject foreign-imported waste and wear your power. [![](https://resources.africapractice.com/hs-fs/hubfs/emaillogoap-2.jpg?width=400&height=80&name=emaillogoap-2.jpg)](https://resources.africapractice.com/) © 2026. All rights reserved.