Benin

Republic of Benin

French West African CFA (XOF) French civil law
AU, ECOWAS, WAEMU, AfCFTA, WTO
Benin is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies, driven by port services (Cotonou is a major transit hub for Nigeria and landlocked neighbors), cotton production (Africa's largest producer), agriculture, and trade. President Patrice Talon's reform agenda has improved the business climate significantly. The Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (GDIZ) near Cotonou targets textile and agro-processing. Tourism is growing with the restoration of the Royal Palaces of Abomey (UNESCO site) and development of the Route des Esclaves. Benin benefits from CFA franc stability and ECOWAS market access.
Snapshot Focus Sectors Regulations & Taxes Businesses (106) People (2)

Snapshot

Population~14.9 MWorld Bank WDI
GDP (current USD)$24.4 BIMF WEO
GDP per Capita$1,640IMF WEO
GDP Growth6.00%IMF WEO
Inflation (y/y)~2.80%Central Bank / IMF
Policy Rate (BCEAO rate)3.50%Central Bank
Internet Use~35.00%World Bank WDI
Electrification~42.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)42.0/100 (#75)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.504 (#166)UNDP HDR

Focus Sectors

Cotton
Agriculture (cashew
shea)
Port Services (Cotonou)
Trade & Transit
Tourism
Telecoms
Construction
Digital Economy
Energy

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax30% standard
VAT / Sales Tax18% standard

Business Directory (106)

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AD

ADEN Benin

Non-profit

Digital development agency

Cotonou
AF

African School of Economics

Non-profit

Leading economics school

Abomey-Calavi
AI

AIC - Association Interprofessionnelle du Coton

Non-profit

Cotton sector body

Cotonou
AP

APIEX Benin

Non-profit

Investment promotion agency

Cotonou
AZ

Azalaï Hotel Cotonou

Corporate

Pan-African hotel chain

Cotonou
BA

Bank of Africa Benin

Corporate

Founding bank of BOA Group since 1989

Cotonou
BC

BCEAO Benin

Non-profit

Central bank branch

Cotonou
BE

Benin Cashew Sector

Non-profit

Major cashew producer

Parakou
BE

Benin Cotton Farmers

Non-profit

Smallholder cotton network

Parakou
BE

Benin Football Federation

Non-profit

Les Écureuils

Cotonou
BE

Benin Marché Cooperatives

Non-profit

Nana Benz traders

Cotonou
BE

Benin Pineapple Exports

Non-profit

Sugar Loaf pineapple exporter

Allada
View all 106 businesses

Tenders

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Recrutement d’un Consultant pour l’élaboration de la stratégie de modernisation du Contrôle technique automobile au Bénin

World Bank-financed: Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project (GN-SUMP)

Data Notes: Population, GDP, and GDP per capita are latest IMF WEO / World Bank estimates. Inflation is year-over-year. Trade data from UN Comtrade/OEC (2023). Tax rates from PwC/KPMG country guides. CPI from Transparency International. HDI from UNDP Human Development Report.
Narrative last updated: April 8, 2026.