USAID-Supported Promo Fruits Expansion Brings Over 1,000 New Jobs to Benin, Empowering Women and Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Allada, Benin - April 18, 2024 - With the support of a $2 million co-investment grant from the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub in April 2022, Promo Fruits has increased its processing capacity from 40 to 200 metric tons of fruit juice per day, effectively meeting the growing demand from sub-regional and international markets. As of 2024, Promo Fruits processes an increased amount of pineapple, mango and other fruits daily, and has been able to reach its objective of purchasing fruits at prices and with volumes that are rewarding for local farmers, directly benefiting the local economy and agricultural community. 

Established in 2001 by a group of producers under the cooperative, Initiative for the Revival of Pineapple (IRA), Promo Fruits has grown into a key player in the fruit processing industry in Benin. Owned by IRA and in collaboration with 9 other fruit producer groups, Promo Fruits sources all raw materials locally—sustaining the agricultural sector and supporting local farmers. 

This expansion has facilitated approximately $7.7 million in private sector investment, and generated about $3.9 million in exports, creating over 1,000 jobs. Notably, 35 percent of these positions are held by women and 51 percent by youth, highlighting the project’s role in fostering economic growth and social inclusion in Benin.

Additionally, USAID’s grant has enabled Promo Fruits to secure further financing from local banks to construct a new 100 metric ton per day mango puree processing facility in N’Dali, northern Benin. This facility is set to commence operations in May 2024. The company has also leveraged this opportunity to enhance its mango supply chain by establishing a demonstration farm in northern Benin, which provides quality training to local mango farmers, enhancing their productivity and sustainability. 

During the expansion commemoration in Allada, USAID Country Representative in Benin, Stephen Haykin, reaffirmed the US government’s dedication to collaborating with the Government of Benin and the private sector to forge a mutually prosperous future for the people of Benin and the United States.

“Together, we are setting the stage for a brighter, more prosperous future for Benin and its people,” he remarked.

This project exemplifies the goals of the Prosper Africa initiative, an effort by the United States Government to boost economic growth and ensure fair trade. The achievements of Promo Fruits highlight the effectiveness of strategic partnerships and investments in Benin’s vital agricultural sector.