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.

SnapshotIndicatorsCountry FactsFocus SectorsRegulations & TaxesBusinesses (196)

Snapshot

Population~14.8 MWorld Bank, 2025
GDP (current USD)$24.6 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP per Capita$1,658World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth8.07%World Bank, 2025
Inflation (y/y)~1.10%World Bank, 2025
BCEAO rate3.50%Central Bank
Unemployment1.59%World Bank, ILO modelled estimate, 2025
Internet Use~33.98%World Bank, 2024
Electrification~42.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)42.0/100 (#75)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.504 (#166)UNDP HDR

World Bank Indicators Compare with another country

GDP (current USD)$24.6 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP growth (annual)8.07%World Bank, 2025
GDP per capita (USD)$1,658World Bank, 2025
Population, total14.8 MWorld Bank, 2025
FDI net inflows (USD)$543.0 MWorld Bank, 2024
Inflation (consumer prices)1.10%World Bank, 2025
Unemployment (% labour force)1.59%World Bank, 2025
Internet use (% of people)33.98%World Bank, 2024
Trade (% of GDP)37.12%World Bank, 2025

Country Facts

CapitalPorto-Novo
RegionWest Africa
CurrencyWest African CFA (XOF)
FX RegimeFixed peg to EUR via CFA franc
Investment Promotion AgencyAPIEx Benin
Legal SystemFrench civil law
Time ZoneAfrica/Porto-Novo

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

Funding

View All
Grant

U.S. Embassy Cotonou PDS Request for Statements of Interest

U.S. Mission to Benin

Contract Awards

View All

Acquisition de matériels informatiques équipements de vidéo conférence au profit de l’UG et de l’Agence de Développement des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (ADPME). (lot 1).

Government of Benin (World Bank-financed, project P175768)

Acquisition de matériels informatiques au profit de l'Agence de Développement des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (ADPME) et d'équipement de vidéo conférence au profit de l'UGP FP2E (Lot2)

Government of Benin (World Bank-financed, project P175768)

Ceinture Vaccinale

Government of Benin (World Bank-financed, project P115886)

ceinture vaccinale

Government of Benin (World Bank-financed, project P115886)