The Embassy of Benin in Doha, acting as a "facilitator," will provide you with the best possible support in your research, whether economic, touristic, or otherwise.

(Contact the Chancellery for information on investment opportunities in Benin).

 

12 GOOD REASONS TO INVEST IN BENIN

 

1. A peaceful socio-political environment with a particular emphasis on good governance.

2. An ideal geographical location: at the crossroads of Africa, at the intersection of the West and Central regions of the continent, it is the main gateway to Nigeria for more than 300 million consumers.

3. A tropical climate that limits severe weather and generates mild temperatures, ranging between 25° and 30°C. Neither too hot nor too cold, the country is a perfect place to live and a pleasant place to work.

4. A competitive port serving the hinterland: Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, etc.

5. The development of Information and Communication Technologies, which facilitates Benin's connection to the global village.

6. Easing of administrative formalities with a favorable investment code.

7. Significant customs and tax benefits are offered in the Industrial Free Zone and Serviced Industrial Zones.

8. A legal framework that combats corruption and encourages tax relief for investors. A constantly growing economy.

9. The availability of a skilled workforce.

10. Enormous economic potential in the fields of agriculture, mining, industry, tourism, and services.​

11. Generous business opportunities with a guaranteed return on investment.

12. The presidency of an ambitious man determined to firmly fight corruption.

​

SECTORS THAT PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES

 

Tourism

 

Benin boasts enormous, yet still little-known, tourism potential. This is evidenced by the lakeside town of Ganvié, the long sandy beach, and the country's two zoos. Today, this sector represents 2.5% of GDP: 53 million CFA francs in profits in 2008, compared to 29 million CFA francs in 1997. This proves that Benin is beginning to attract visitors. The majority of tourists are satisfied with their visit and are impressed by Benin's cultural richness and numerous sites. However, it ranks only fifth among the most visited countries in West Africa. This is because it needs more development agencies and hotel infrastructure. The development of tourism activities is proving to be a boon for investors seeking new sectors that offer opportunities.

 

Energy

 

Like other countries in the sub-region, there is an energy deficit, creating a great opportunity for alternative production solutions, namely solar photovoltaic energy. Solar energy is one of the most abundant natural resources in the country, which enjoys more than 300 days of unobstructed sunshine each year.

Yet, rural areas lack access to electricity. In most cities, power outages are a daily occurrence, and people often rely on gasoline or diesel engines.

 

Solar energy is free, completely clean, and abundant. It offers the best alternative for populations beyond the reach of electricity grids.

 

Agri-Food

 

Benin produces more than 400,000 tons of pineapples, meeting international standards. Its processing offers a diverse range of products: pineapple juice, pineapple jam, dried pineapple, etc., which can be exported to the West or to the growing regional market.

 

Benin, the fifth-largest producer in the world, exports 3% of cashew nuts to the international market. The production of juice and wine from this fruit represents an underexploited opportunity. Furthermore, various tropical fruits such as baobab, alone or in combination, are increasingly in demand among European consumers. The creation of processing plants for these products offers new business opportunities in the South.

 

Le Minier

 

Benin's mineral resources offer an opportunity for exploitation and export: iron, gold, phosphate, diamonds, kaolin, marble, gravel, etc. Recently, studies have confirmed the presence of untapped oil in Benin. Oil gold extraction and related activities are also sectors of business opportunity seeking investors.

 

​

Real Estate

 

Because the need to own one's own home is so dear to every Beninese, the construction sector is one in which you won't regret investing in Benin. Construction and public works grew by 3.9%, in line with activity in the extractive industries (4%). The growth in cement is closely related to the supply of cement. It should be noted that the decline in local cement production was offset by imports.

 

​

Real Estate

 

Because the need to own one's own home is so dear to every Beninese, the construction sector is one in which you won't regret investing in Benin. Construction and public works rose by 3.9%, in line with activity in the extractive industries (4%). The growth in cement is closely related to cement supply. It should be noted that the decline in local cement production was offset by cement imports, which increased by half.

 

Benin made a date with history in February 1990 by opting for political pluralism and by undertaking far-reaching economic reforms amidst national peace and harmony, through a gradual withdrawal of the state from production activities.​

Today, the Beninese government is primarily focused on its sovereign and economic regulatory functions, with an emphasis on creating a sufficiently healthy and attractive macroeconomic, legal, and institutional environment for private investment.

 

Similarly, it has opted to improve its economic infrastructure, all of which are essential for private sector development.

For several years, Benin has been creating the conditions for strong and sustainable economic growth.

 

To improve its performance, the economic and financial program is continuing, notably with major structural and sectoral reforms.

These include, among other things, the liberalization of productive sectors such as agriculture, transportation and infrastructure, mining and energy, postal and telecommunications services, and tourism, sectors in which there are genuine opportunities for profitable investments.

​

The institutional environment has also improved considerably in recent years, and the government is continuing the democratization process to ensure the rule of law, the expression of freedoms, and investment security.

 

Furthermore, aware of the negative impact of corruption on private investment and growth, Benin has undertaken a fight against this phenomenon.

 

If you happen to visit Benin, you are sure to find support structures created by the Beninese government to act as intermediaries between the state and the private sector.

 

These are:

 

The Investment Promotion Center (CPI), whose mission is to foster development and promote investment in Benin.

​

The Business Formalities Center (CFE), also known as the "One-Stop Shop," was created within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin (CCIB), where all formalities related to business creation and changes to their articles of association are carried out.

 

The Benin Business Opportunities Observatory (OAB), responsible, among other things, for assisting and advising businesspeople in researching and exploring domestic and foreign markets.

 

In conclusion, it can be concluded that the essential conditions for the emergence of a dynamic and profitable private sector, as well as investment security, appear to be present in Bénin.

​