Economic and Political Overview

Benin: Economic and Political Overview

In this page: Economic Indicators | Foreign Trade in Figures | Sources of General Economic Information | Political Outline | COVID-19 Country Response

Economic Indicators

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Benin’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals helped the country achieve one of the strongest growth rates among developing countries in 2020 (3.8%), despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Economic growth recovered in 2021, reaching an estimated 5.5%, boosted by public investment and the normalization of merchandise traffic at the Port of Cotonou (IMF). According to the IMF estimates, GDP growth should further accelerate to 6.5% in 2022 and 2023. Official Beninese forecasts set economic growth to 7% in 2022 and 7.8% in 2023. Growing coffee and cashew nut output as well as renewed dynamism of Benin's major overseas trading partners will also boost economic growth (The Economist Intelligence Unit).

In 2021, Benin’s economy recovered from the slowdown induced by the coronavirus crisis, thanks to the government’s swift response, a strong public investment push and the establishment of a sanitary belt around the cities most exposed to the pandemic (IMF). To fight the coronavirus crisis, Benin’s government set a recovery plan estimated at FCFA 74 billion (1% of the country’s GDP), aimed toward the most vulnerable households, and the companies operating in the most affected sectors (tourism, transportation, etc.). The country also benefited from emergency financing (USD 178 million), and general SDR allocation (USD 168 million) from the IMF. Falling revenues and increased expenditures caused the public deficit to widen to 6.5% GDP in 2021 (Benin Ministry of Economy and Finance). Fiscal consolidation efforts are expected to reduce the deficit (grants included) to 4.5% GDP in 2022 and 3.5% GDP in 2023 (Benin Ministry of Economy and Finance). Public debt reached an estimated 52.3% GDP in 2021, and is projected to decrease to 48.9% GDP in 2022 and 46.3% GDP in 2023 (IMF). Aggregate inflation remained subdued (3% in 2020 and 2021) but food prices increased sharply, reflecting both global factors and domestic weather events (IMF). Inflation rate is expected to decrease to 2% in 2022 and 2023 (IMF). Beninese authorities have requested a new IMF-supported program to facilitate the implementation of the national development plan. Among the priorities of the 2022 budget are the promotion of high-potential sectors such as agriculture, tourism and digital economy; the development of key transport, energy and sanitation infrastructure; the reduction of poverty and social vulnerability; and fiscal consolidation. The authorities have also revamped their vaccination strategy, as less than 4% of the population was fully vaccinated at the end of 2021.

Despite many efforts to reduce it, the poverty rate remains as high as 45.9% according to World Bank data. In 2020, the unemployment rate in the country was estimated at 2.5% (ILO estimate). However, underemployment rate stood at more than 70%, and informal employment rate at more than 90% (World Bank).

Main Indicators	2019	2020	2021 (e)	2022 (e)	2023 (e)
GDP (billions USD)	14.39	15.67e	18.07	19.92	21.84
GDP (Constant Prices, Annual % Change)	6.9	3.8e	5.5	6.5	6.5
GDP per Capita (USD)	1,218	1,291	1,447	1,551	1,655
General Government Gross Debt (in % of GDP)	41.2	46.1	52.3	48.9	46.3
Inflation Rate (%)	-0.9	3.0e	3.0	2.0	2.0
Current Account (billions USD)	-0.58	-0.62	-0.72	-0.85	-0.97
Current Account (in % of GDP)	-4.0	-3.9e	-4.0	-4.3	-4.4

Source: IMF – World Economic Outlook Database , October 2021

Note: (e) Estimated Data

Main Sectors of Industry

Benin’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture. This sector accounts for 27.1% of Benin’s GDP and employs an estimated 38% of the workforce (World Bank, latest data available). The country has a fertile land, and a third of Benin’s territory is suitable for agriculture (World Bank). Around half of the population rely on subsistence farming for their livelihood, whereas cotton is the main crop and the key export commodity. The cotton sector contributes to 40% of the GDP. Other cultivations include cashew nuts, corn, cassava, yams, beans, palm oil, and peanuts.

The industrial sector contributes 16.3% of GDP and gives employment to roughly 18% of the active population. Textiles, food processing, construction materials, and cement are the main sub-sectors.

Services (dominated by trade and transport) account for nearly 48% of Benin’s GDP and almost 43% of total employment.

Breakdown of Economic Activity By Sector	Agriculture	Industry	Services
Employment By Sector (in % of Total Employment)	38.3	18.3	43.4
Value Added (in % of GDP)	27.1	16.3	47.9
Value Added (Annual % Change)	1.8	5.2	4.9

Source: World Bank - Latest available data.

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Monetary Indicators	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF) - Average Annual Exchange Rate For 1 MUR	16.68	16.88	16.37	16.51	14.63

Source: World Bank - Latest available data.

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Indicator of Economic Freedom

Definition

Definition:

The Economic freedom index measure ten components of economic freedom, grouped into four broad categories or pillars of economic freedom: Rule of Law (property rights, freedom from corruption); Limited Government (fiscal freedom, government spending); Regulatory Efficiency (business freedom, labour freedom, monetary freedom); and Open Markets (trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom). Each of the freedoms within these four broad categories is individually scored on a scale of 0 to 100. A country’s overall economic freedom score is a simple average of its scores on the 10 individual freedoms.

Score:: 59,6/100
World Rank:: 100
Regional Rank:: 10

Economic freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Index of Economic Freedom, Heritage Foundation

Country Risk

See the country risk analysis provided by Coface.

Foreign Trade in Figures

Benin is open to foreign trade which represents 45% of its GDP (World Bank). The country is a member of various trade organizations including the World Trade Organisation and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). The vast majority of its trade passes through the port of Cotonou, the capacity of which the government wants to develop.

Benin mainly exports cotton (53.4% of total exports), cashew nut, coconut, Brazilian nuts, shea nuts, petroleum products, cement, gold, textile products, and seafood to Bangladesh, India, China, Malaysia, Ukraine, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Its main imports are food products (rice, meat, frozen fish), oil products, energy, drugs, vehicles and capital goods from India, China, France, Togo, Belgium, Russia and Turkey. It is also quite active in re-exportation, from Nigeria mainly.

For years now, Benin has had a structural trade deficit. In 2020, the trade deficit in goods amounted to USD 947 million (WTO). This is mainly due to low exports which are largely made up of low-cost agricultural products, and the country’s heavy reliance on foreign countries for its oil and energy supply. According to WTO data, in 2020, Benin exported goods with a total value of USD 2.3 billion while it imported goods worth USD 3.3 billion. Concerning services, Benin exported USD 410 million worth of services in 2020 and imported USD 578 million worth of services.

Foreign Trade Indicators	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Imports of Goods (million USD)	2,251	3,494	4,375	3,932	3,263
Exports of Goods (million USD)	1,354	2,216	3,344	3,052	2,316
Imports of Services (million USD)	712	577	762	803	578
Exports of Services (million USD)	382	323	485	510	410
Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	3.3	14.3	4.8	3.4	-19.8
Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	13.5	7.0	5.0	8.6	-25.0
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	31.4	34.3	34.5	34.1	25.0
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	27.6	27.2	27.3	29.6	19.9
Trade Balance (million USD)	-111	-344	-556	-449	n/a
Trade Balance (Including Service) (million USD)	-526	-704	-821	-727	n/a
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP)	59.0	61.5	61.8	63.7	44.8

Source: WTO – World Trade Organisation ; World Bank , Latest Available Data

Main Partner Countries

Main Customers (% of Exports)	2020
Bangladesh	38.5%
India	11.9%
China	6.6%
Malaysia	4.7%
Ukraine	4.7%
Denmark	3.7%
United Arab Emirates	3.6%
Vietnam	3.0%
Niger	2.7%
Burkina Faso	2.5%
Egypt	1.7%
Chad	1.6%
Ivory Coast	1.5%
Netherlands	1.3%
Pakistan	1.1%
Germany	1.1%
Togo	1.1%
Mali	1.0%
Nigeria	1.0%
United States	1.0%
See More Countries	33.6%

Main Suppliers (% of Imports)	2020
India	11.5%
China	11.2%
France	10.1%
Togo	8.4%
Belgium	6.3%
Russia	4.5%
Turkey	3.9%
United States	3.4%
Ivory Coast	3.0%
Thailand	2.9%
United Arab Emirates	2.2%
United Kingdom	2.2%
Brazil	1.9%
Netherlands	1.8%
Singapore	1.7%
Nigeria	1.7%
Spain	1.6%
Germany	1.5%
Ghana	1.4%
Italy	1.4%
See More Countries	52.4%

Source: Comtrade, Latest Available Data

Main Products

0.8 bn USD of products exported in 2020
Cotton, neither carded nor combedCotton, neither carded nor combed	53.4%
Coconuts, brazil nuts and cashew nuts, fresh or...Coconuts, brazil nuts and cashew nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled	6.7%
Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or...Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or not broken (excl. edible nuts, olives, soya beans, ground-nuts, copra, linseed, rape or colza seeds and sunflower seeds)	5.5%
Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous...Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (excl. crude); preparations containing >= 70% by weight of petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals, these oils being the basic constituents of the preparations, n.e.s.; waste oils containing mainly petroleum or bituminous minerals	4.4%
Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not...Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils (excl. from soya-bean oil and ground-nut oil)	3.6%
Cement, incl. cement clinkers, whether or not...Cement, incl. cement clinkers, whether or not coloured	2.1%
Electric generating sets and rotary convertersElectric generating sets and rotary converters	1.9%
Gold, incl. gold plated with platinum, unwrought...Gold, incl. gold plated with platinum, unwrought or not further worked than semi-manufactured or in powder form	1.7%
Soya beans, whether or not brokenSoya beans, whether or not broken	1.6%
Woven fabrics of cotton, containing >= 85% cotton...Woven fabrics of cotton, containing >= 85% cotton by weight and weighing <= 200 g/m²	1.3%
Fruits, nuts and other edible parts of plants,...Fruits, nuts and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or spirit (excl. prepared or preserved with vinegar, preserved with sugar but not laid in syrup, and jams, fruit jellies, marmalades, fruit purée and pastes, obtained by cooking)	1.2%
Cotton, carded or combedCotton, carded or combed	1.1%
Fixed vegetable fats and oils, incl. jojoba oil,...Fixed vegetable fats and oils, incl. jojoba oil, and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified (excl. soya-bean, ground-nut, olive, palm, sunflower-seed, safflower, cotton-seed, coconut, palm kernel, babassu, rape, colza and mustard oil)	1.0%
Ships' derricks; cranes, incl. cable cranes (excl....Ships' derricks; cranes, incl. cable cranes (excl. wheel-mounted cranes and vehicle cranes for railways); mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane	0.9%
Wood, incl. strips and friezes for parquet...Wood, incl. strips and friezes for parquet flooring, not assembled, continuously shaped tongued, grooved, rebated, chamfered, v-jointed beaded, moulded, rounded or the like along any of its edges, ends or faces, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed	0.9%
Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or barked,...Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or barked, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness of > 6 mm	0.9%
Bars and rods, of iron or non-alloy steel, not...Bars and rods, of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, but incl. those twisted after rolling (excl. in irregularly wound coils)	0.7%
Sunflower-seed, safflower or cotton-seed oil and...Sunflower-seed, safflower or cotton-seed oil and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified	0.7%
Bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel,...Bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils	0.6%
Fuel wood, in logs, billets, twigs, faggots or...Fuel wood, in logs, billets, twigs, faggots or similar forms; wood in chips or particles; sawdust and wood waste and scrap, whether or not agglomerated in logs, briquettes, pellets or similar forms	0.5%
Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel,...Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of >= 600 mm, cold-rolled cold-reduced, not clad, plated or coated	0.5%
Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel,...Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width >= 600 mm, hot-rolled or cold-rolled cold-reduced, clad, plated or coated	0.4%
Fruit juices, incl. grape must, and vegetable...Fruit juices, incl. grape must, and vegetable juices, unfermented, not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter	0.4%
Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined...Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined (excl. chemically modified)	0.4%
Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles e.g., open seam...Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles e.g., open seam or welded, riveted or similarly closed, of iron or steel (excl. of cast iron, seamless tubes and pipes and tubes and pipes having internal and external circular cross-sections and an external diameter of > 406,4 mm)	0.4%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with electric motors and generators, electric generating sets and rotary converters, n.e.s.	0.3%
Other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled...Other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled (excl. coconuts, brazil nuts and cashew nuts)	0.3%
Electrical transformers, static converters, e.g....Electrical transformers, static converters, e.g. rectifiers, and inductors; parts thereof	0.3%
Wire of iron or non-alloy steel, in coils (excl....Wire of iron or non-alloy steel, in coils (excl. bars and rods)	0.3%
Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed...Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses incl. those in the form of transdermal administration or in forms or packings for retail sale (excl. goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006)	0.3%
Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally...Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, incl. station wagons and racing cars (excl. motor vehicles of heading 8702)	0.3%
Nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails,...Nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, staples and similar articles of iron or steel, whether or not with heads of other material (excl. such articles with heads of copper and staples in strips)	0.2%
Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders,...Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and road rollers	0.2%
Bars and rods of alloy steel other than stainless,...Bars and rods of alloy steel other than stainless, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils ecsc	0.2%
Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in...Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form	0.2%
Articles for the conveyance or packaging of goods,...Articles for the conveyance or packaging of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics	0.2%
Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy...Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, n.e.s.	0.2%
Railway or tramway track construction material of...Railway or tramway track construction material of iron or steel, the following : rails, check-rails and rack rails, switch blades, crossing frogs, point rods and other crossing pieces, sleepers cross-ties, fish-plates, chairs, chair wedges, sole plates base plates, rail clips, bedplates, ties and other material specialized for jointing or fixing rails	0.2%
Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat...Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat or other substances or otherwise prepared, such as spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared	0.1%
Seeds, fruits and spores, for sowing (excl....Seeds, fruits and spores, for sowing (excl. leguminous vegetables and sweetcorn, coffee, tea, mate and spices, cereals, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, and seeds and fruit used primarily in perfumery, medicaments or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes)	0.1%
Worn clothing and clothing accessories, blankets...Worn clothing and clothing accessories, blankets and travelling rugs, household linen and articles for interior furnishing, of all types of textile materials, incl. all types of footwear and headgear, showing signs of appreciable wear and presented in bulk or in bales, sacks or similar packings (excl. carpets, other floor coverings and tapestries)	0.1%
Beer made from maltBeer made from malt	0.1%
Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark...Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared (excl. rough-cut wood for walking sticks, umbrellas, tool shafts and the like; wood in the form of railway sleepers; wood cut into boards or beams, etc.)	0.1%
Machinery, plant or laboratory equipment whether...Machinery, plant or laboratory equipment whether or not electrically heated (excl. furnaces, ovens and other equipment of heading 8514), for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature such as heating, cooking, roasting, distilling, rectifying, sterilizing, pasteurizing, steaming, drying, evaporating, vapourizing, condensing or cooling (excl. those used for domestic purposes); instantaneous or storage water heaters, non-electric; parts thereof	0.1%
Preparations of a kind used in animal feedingPreparations of a kind used in animal feeding	0.1%
Food preparations, n.e.s.Food preparations, n.e.s.	0.1%
Paints and varnishes, incl. enamels and lacquers,...Paints and varnishes, incl. enamels and lacquers, based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium	0.1%
Motor-cycles, incl. mopeds, and cycles fitted with...Motor-cycles, incl. mopeds, and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars	0.1%
See More Products	26.3%

2.6 bn USD of products imported in 2020
RiceRice	15.0%
Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous...Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (excl. crude); preparations containing >= 70% by weight of petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals, these oils being the basic constituents of the preparations, n.e.s.; waste oils containing mainly petroleum or bituminous minerals	13.3%
Frozen fish (excl. fish fillets and other fish...Frozen fish (excl. fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304)	4.3%
Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed...Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses incl. those in the form of transdermal administration or in forms or packings for retail sale (excl. goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006)	4.1%
Electrical energyElectrical energy	3.7%
Meat and edible offal of fowls of the species...Meat and edible offal of fowls of the species gallus domesticus, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowls, fresh, chilled or frozen	3.1%
Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally...Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, incl. station wagons and racing cars (excl. motor vehicles of heading 8702)	2.9%
Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined...Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined (excl. chemically modified)	2.7%
Mineral or chemical fertilizers containing two or...Mineral or chemical fertilizers containing two or three of the fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; other fertilizers (excl. pure animal or vegetable fertilizers or mineral or chemical nitrogenous, phosphatic or potassic fertilizers); animal, vegetable, mineral or chemical fertilizers in tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight of <= 10 kg	2.4%
Wheat or meslin flourWheat or meslin flour	2.1%
Motor-cycles, incl. mopeds, and cycles fitted with...Motor-cycles, incl. mopeds, and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars	2.1%
Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides...Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators, disinfectants and similar products, put up for retail sale or as preparations or articles, e.g. sulphur-treated bands, wicks and candles, and fly-papers	1.9%
Cement, incl. cement clinkers, whether or not...Cement, incl. cement clinkers, whether or not coloured	1.6%
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl....Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl. chassis with engine and cab	1.4%
Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in...Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form	1.3%
Bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel,...Bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils	1.1%
Petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen and other...Petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen and other residues of petroleum oil or of oil obtained from bituminous minerals, n.e.s.	1.1%
Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line...Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy, incl. line telephone sets with cordless handsets and telecommunication apparatus for carrier-current line systems or for digital line systems; videophones; parts thereof	0.9%
Worn clothing and clothing accessories, blankets...Worn clothing and clothing accessories, blankets and travelling rugs, household linen and articles for interior furnishing, of all types of textile materials, incl. all types of footwear and headgear, showing signs of appreciable wear and presented in bulk or in bales, sacks or similar packings (excl. carpets, other floor coverings and tapestries)	0.9%
Woven fabrics of cotton, containing >= 85% cotton...Woven fabrics of cotton, containing >= 85% cotton by weight and weighing <= 200 g/m²	0.8%
Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders,...Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and road rollers	0.8%
Mineral or chemical nitrogenous fertilizers (excl....Mineral or chemical nitrogenous fertilizers (excl. those in pellet or similar forms, or in packages with a gross weight of <= 10 kg)	0.8%
Unglazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall...Unglazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles; unglazed ceramic mosaic cubes and the like, whether or not on a backing (excl. of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, refractory ceramic goods, tiles made into stands, ornamental articles and tiles specifically manufactured for stoves)	0.7%
Bars and rods of alloy steel other than stainless,...Bars and rods of alloy steel other than stainless, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils ecsc	0.7%
Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor, e.g...Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor, e.g. joints, elbows, flanges, of plastics	0.7%
Articles for interior furnishing, of all types of...Articles for interior furnishing, of all types of textile materials (excl. blankets and travelling rugs, bed-linen, table linen, toilet linen, kitchen linen, curtains, incl. drapes, interior blinds, curtain or bed valances, lampshades and articles of heading 9404)	0.6%
Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat...Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat or other substances or otherwise prepared, such as spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared	0.6%
Parts and accessories for motor-cycles and...Parts and accessories for motor-cycles and bicycles and for carriages for disabled persons, n.e.s.	0.6%
Bars and rods, of iron or non-alloy steel, not...Bars and rods, of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, but incl. those twisted after rolling (excl. in irregularly wound coils)	0.5%
Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats,...Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing < 40% by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, n.e.s.; food preparations of milk, cream, butter milk, sour milk, sour cream, whey, yoghourt, kefir, and similar goods of heading 0401 to 0404, not containing cocoa or containing < 5% by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, n.e.s.	0.5%
Structures and parts of structures e.g., bridges...Structures and parts of structures e.g., bridges and bridge-sections, lock-gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades, pillars and columns, of iron or steel; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, of iron or steel (excl. prefabricated buildings of heading 9406)	0.5%
Insulated incl. enamelled or anodised wire, cable...Insulated incl. enamelled or anodised wire, cable incl. coaxial cable and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made-up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors	0.5%
Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and other packing...Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and other packing containers, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, n.e.s.; box files, letter trays, and similar articles, of paperboard of a kind used in offices, shops or the like	0.5%
Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic...Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; antisera and other blood fractions and modified immunological products, whether or not obtained by means of biotechnological processes; vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excl. yeasts) and similar products	0.5%
Petroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbonsPetroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons	0.5%
Ships' derricks; cranes, incl. cable cranes (excl....Ships' derricks; cranes, incl. cable cranes (excl. wheel-mounted cranes and vehicle cranes for railways); mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane	0.5%
Tractors (other than tractors of heading 8709)Tractors (other than tractors of heading 8709)	0.4%
Diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor...Diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; photosensitive semiconductor devices, incl. photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made-up into panels (excl. photovotaic generators); light emitting diodes; mounted piezo-electric crystals; parts thereof	0.4%
Machinery for sorting, screening, separating,...Machinery for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing, grinding, mixing or kneading earth, stone, ores or other mineral substances, in solid, incl. powder or paste, form; machinery for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid mineral fuels, ceramic paste, unhardened cements, plastering materials or other mineral products in powder or paste form; machines for forming foundry moulds of sand; parts thereof	0.4%
Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel,...Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width >= 600 mm, hot-rolled or cold-rolled cold-reduced, clad, plated or coated	0.4%
New pneumatic tyres, of rubberNew pneumatic tyres, of rubber	0.4%
Tomatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by...Tomatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid	0.4%
Electric accumulators, incl. separators therefor,...Electric accumulators, incl. separators therefor, whether or not rectangular or square; parts thereof (excl. spent and those of unhardened rubber or textiles)	0.4%
Articles for the conveyance or packaging of goods,...Articles for the conveyance or packaging of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics	0.3%
Automatic data processing machines and units...Automatic data processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, n.e.s.	0.3%
Wheat and meslinWheat and meslin	0.3%
Soups and broths and preparations therefor; food...Soups and broths and preparations therefor; food preparations consisting of finely homogenized mixtures of two or more basic ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables or fruit, put up for retail sale as infant food or for dietetic purposes, in containers of <= 250 g	0.3%
Special purpose motor vehicles (other than those...Special purpose motor vehicles (other than those principally designed for the transport of persons or goods), e.g. breakdown lorries, crane lorries, fire fighting vehicles, concrete-mixer lorries, road sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops and mobile radiological units	0.3%
Beer made from maltBeer made from malt	0.3%
Electric generating sets and rotary convertersElectric generating sets and rotary converters	0.3%
Sacks and bags, of a kind used for the packing of...Sacks and bags, of a kind used for the packing of goods, of all types of textile materials	0.3%
Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not...Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not mechanically propelled (excl. railway and tramway vehicles); parts thereof, n.e.s.	0.3%
Television receivers, whether or not incorporating...Television receivers, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; video monitors and video projectors	0.2%
Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or...Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other; heat pumps; parts thereof (excl. air conditioning machines of heading 8415)	0.2%
Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing,...Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, and certified reference materials (excl. compound diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient, blood-grouping reagents, animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses and vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms and similar products)	0.2%
Electrical transformers, static converters, e.g....Electrical transformers, static converters, e.g. rectifiers, and inductors; parts thereof	0.2%
Uncoated paper and paperboard, of a kind used for...Uncoated paper and paperboard, of a kind used for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, and non-perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or in square or rectangular sheets, of any size, and hand-made paper and paperboard (excl. newsprint of heading 4801 and paper and paperboard of heading 4803)	0.2%
Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel,...Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of >= 600 mm, cold-rolled cold-reduced, not clad, plated or coated	0.2%
Bells, gongs and the like, non-electric, of base...Bells, gongs and the like, non-electric, of base metal (excl. musical instruments); statuettes and other ornaments, of base metal (excl. works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques); photograph, picture or similar frames, of base metal; mirrors of base metal (excl. optical elements)	0.2%
Motor vehicles for the transport of >= 10 persons,...Motor vehicles for the transport of >= 10 persons, incl. driver	0.2%
Structures and parts of structures e.g., bridges...Structures and parts of structures e.g., bridges and bridge-sections, towers, lattice masts, pillars and columns, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades, of aluminium (excl. prefabricated buildings of heading 9406); plates, rods, profiles, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, of aluminium	0.2%
Machines and mechanical appliances having...Machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof	0.2%
Footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or...Footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (excl. waterproof footwear of heading 6401, orthopaedic footwear, skating boots with ice or roller skates attached, and toy footwear)	0.2%
Soap; organic surface-active products and...Soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap; paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent	0.2%
Instruments and appliances used in medical,...Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, incl. scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight-testing instruments, n.e.s.	0.2%
Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels...Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal	0.2%
Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than...Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked	0.2%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machinery of heading 8425 to 8430, n.e.s.	0.2%
Furniture and parts thereof, n.e.s. (excl. seats...Furniture and parts thereof, n.e.s. (excl. seats and medical, surgical, dental or veterinary furniture)	0.2%
Waters, incl. mineral waters and aerated waters,...Waters, incl. mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured, and other non-alcoholic beverages (excl. fruit or vegetable juices and milk)	0.2%
Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting...Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, e.g., switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and junction boxes, for a voltage <= 1.000 v (excl. control desks, cabinets, panels etc. of heading 8537)	0.2%
Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy...Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, n.e.s.	0.2%
Lamps and lighting fittings, incl. searchlights...Lamps and lighting fittings, incl. searchlights and spotlights, and parts thereof, n.e.s; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like having a permanently fixed light source, and parts thereof, n.e.s.	0.2%
Salts, incl. table salt and denatured salt, and...Salts, incl. table salt and denatured salt, and pure sodium chloride, whether or not in aqueous solution or containing added anti-caking or free-flowing agents; sea water	0.2%
Cereal groats, meal and pelletsCereal groats, meal and pellets	0.2%
Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes of...Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes	0.2%
Air conditioning machines comprising a...Air conditioning machines comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, incl. those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated; parts thereof	0.2%
Woven fabrics containing >= 85% synthetic staple...Woven fabrics containing >= 85% synthetic staple fibres by weight	0.2%
Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations...Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin, incl. sunscreen or sun tan preparations (excl. medicaments); manicure or pedicure preparations	0.2%
Bars, rods and profiles, of aluminium, n.e.s.Bars, rods and profiles, of aluminium, n.e.s.	0.2%
Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added...Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter	0.1%
Preparations of a kind used in animal feedingPreparations of a kind used in animal feeding	0.1%
Mixtures of odoriferous substances and mixtures,...Mixtures of odoriferous substances and mixtures, incl. alcoholic solutions, based on one or more of these substances, of a kind used as raw materials in industry; other preparations based on odoriferous substances, of a kind used for the manufacture of beverages	0.1%
Food preparations, n.e.s.Food preparations, n.e.s.	0.1%
Pharmaceutical preparations and products of...Pharmaceutical preparations and products of subheading nos 3006.10.10 to 3006.60.90	0.1%
Malt, whether or not roastedMalt, whether or not roasted	0.1%
Organic surface-active agents (excl. soap);...Organic surface-active agents (excl. soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations, incl. auxiliary washing preparations, and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap (excl. those of heading 3401)	0.1%
Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a...Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a measuring device (excl. ceramic pumps and secretion aspirating pumps for medical use and medical pumps carried on or implanted in the body); liquid elevators (excl. pumps); parts thereof	0.1%
Registers, account books, note books, order books,...Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting pads, binders, folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for collections and book covers, of paper and paperboard	0.1%
Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores;...Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations for the chemical or allied industries, incl. mixtures of natural products, n.e.s.	0.1%
Air or vacuum pumps (excl. gas compound elevators...Air or vacuum pumps (excl. gas compound elevators and pneumatic elevators and conveyors); air or other gas compressors and fans; ventilating or recycling hoods incorporating a fan, whether or not fitted with filters; parts thereof	0.1%
Centrifuges, incl. centrifugal dryers (excl. those...Centrifuges, incl. centrifugal dryers (excl. those for isotope separation); filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases; parts thereof (excl. artificial kidneys)	0.1%
Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers'...Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets of a kind suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products	0.1%
Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles e.g., open seam...Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles e.g., open seam or welded, riveted or similarly closed, of iron or steel (excl. of cast iron, seamless tubes and pipes and tubes and pipes having internal and external circular cross-sections and an external diameter of > 406,4 mm)	0.1%
Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and...Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, incl. those incorporating instruments or apparatus of chapter 90, and numerical control apparatus (excl. switching apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy)	0.1%
Made up articles of textile materials, incl. dress...Made up articles of textile materials, incl. dress patterns, n.e.s.	0.1%
Articles of iron or steel, n.e.s. (excl. cast...Articles of iron or steel, n.e.s. (excl. cast articles)	0.1%
Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of...Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of non-cellular plastics, not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, without backing, unworked or merely surface-worked or merely cut into squares or rectangles (excl. self-adhesive products, and floor, wall and ceiling coverings of heading 3918)	0.1%
Carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials,...Carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials, ampoules and other containers, of glass, of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods, preserving jars, stoppers, lids and other closures, of glass (excl. glass envelopes and containers, with vacuum insulation, perfume atomizers, flasks, bottles etc. for atomizers)	0.1%
Retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid...Retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid or cushion tyres, tyre treads and tyre flaps, of rubber	0.1%
Articles of plastics and articles of other...Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading 3901 to 3914, n.e.s.	0.1%
Gypsum; anhydrite; plasters consisting of calcined...Gypsum; anhydrite; plasters consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate, whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders	0.1%
Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles...Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics (excl. baths, shower-baths, wash-basins, bidets, lavatory pans, seats and covers, flushing cisterns and similar sanitary ware)	0.1%
Parts and accessories for tractors, motor vehicles...Parts and accessories for tractors, motor vehicles for the transport of ten or more persons, motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, motor vehicles for the transport of goods and special purpose motor vehicles of heading 8701 to 8705, n.e.s.	0.1%
Primary cells and primary batteries, electrical;...Primary cells and primary batteries, electrical; parts thereof (excl. spent)	0.1%
Sauce and preparations therefor; mixed condiments...Sauce and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings; mustard flour and meal, whether or not prepared, and mustard	0.1%
Polymers of ethylene, in primary formsPolymers of ethylene, in primary forms	0.1%
Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for...Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, incl. pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves; parts thereof	0.1%
Fork-lift trucks; other works trucks fitted with...Fork-lift trucks; other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment (excl. straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane)	0.1%
See More Products	59.6%

Source: Comtrade, Latest Available Data

To go further, check out our service Import Export Flows.

Sources of General Economic Information

Ministries: List of Benin's Ministries
Statistical Office: National Institute of Statistics and Economic Analysis (INSAE)
Central Bank: West Africa Central Bank
Stock Exchange: Regional Securities Exchange
Search Engines: Google Benin
Economic Portals: Actu Benin
BBC - Benin profile

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders: President: Patrice TALON (since 6 April 2016) - the president is both chief of state and head of government
Next Election Dates: Presidential: April 2026
National Assembly: April 2023
Main Political Parties: Benin is formally a multy-party country, however opposition parties have no real chance of gaining power. The main parties are:

Alliance for a Triumphant Benin or ABT : leader Abdoulaye BIO TCHANE
African Movement for Development and Progress or MADEP : leader Sefou FAGBOHOUN
Benin Renaissance or RB : leader Lehady SOGLO
Cowrie Force for an Emerging Benin or FCBE : leader Yayi BONI
Democratic Renewal Party or PRD : leader Adrien HOUNGBEDJI
National Alliance for Development and Democracy or AND : leader Valentin Aditi HOUDE
New Consciousness Rally or NC : leader Pascal KOUPAKI
Patriotic Awakening or RP : leader Janvier YAHOUEDEOU
Social Democrat Party or PSD : leader Emmanuel GOLOU
Sun Alliance or AS : leader Sacca LAFIA
Union Makes the Nation or UN : leader Adrien HOUNGBEDJI (includes PRD, MADEP)
United Democratic Forces or FDU : leader Mathurin NAGO
Type of State: Democratic Republic.
Executive Power: The President of the Republic is elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage with uninominal majority ballot in two rounds, for maximum two terms (whether consecutive or not). He is the head of state, the holder of the executive power, the head of the Government, and with this title he shall determine and conduct the politics of the nation (art. 54). After an advisory opinion of the National Assembly, the President appoints the members of the Government.
Legislative Power: The legislative power in Benin is vested in the parliament, which is composed of a single chamber called the National Assembly. It is composed of 83 deputies elected every four years by proportional representation in 24 multi-member constituencies.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

Definition

Definition:

The world rankings, published annually, measures violations of press freedom worldwide. It reflects the degree of freedom enjoyed by journalists, the media and digital citizens of each country and the means used by states to respect and uphold this freedom. Finally, a note and a position are assigned to each country. To compile this index, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) prepared a questionnaire incorporating the main criteria (44 in total) to assess the situation of press freedom in a given country. This questionnaire was sent to partner organisations,150 RWB correspondents, journalists, researchers, jurists and human rights activists. It includes every kind of direct attacks against journalists and digital citizens (murders, imprisonment, assault, threats, etc.) or against the media (censorship, confiscation, searches and harassment etc.).

World Rank:: 114/180

Source: World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders

Indicator of Political Freedom

Definition

Definition:

The Indicator of Political Freedom provides an annual evaluation of the state of freedom in a country as experienced by individuals. The survey measures freedom according to two broad categories: political rights and civil liberties. The ratings process is based on a checklist of 10 political rights questions (on Electoral Process, Political Pluralism and Participation, Functioning of Government) and 15 civil liberties questions (on Freedom of Expression, Belief, Associational and Organizational Rights, Rule of Law, Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights). Scores are awarded to each of these questions on a scale of 0 to 4, where a score of 0 represents the smallest degree and 4 the greatest degree of rights or liberties present. The total score awarded to the political rights and civil liberties checklist determines the political rights and civil liberties rating. Each rating of 1 through 7, with 1 representing the highest and 7 the lowest level of freedom, corresponds to a range of total scores.

Ranking:: Free
Political Freedom:: 4/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House

COVID-19 Country Response

COVID-19 epidemic evolution: To find out about the latest status of the COVID19 pandemic evolution and the most up-to-date statistics on the COVID19 disease in Benin, please visit the Beninese government platform with the official data. The platform provides a daily epidemiological update, which includes key national figures.
For the international outlook you can consult the latest situation reports published by the World Health Organisation as well as the global daily statistics on the coronavirus pandemic evolution including data on confirmed cases and deaths by country.
Sanitary measures: To find out about the latest public health situation in Benin and the current sanitary measures in vigour, please consult the Beninese government platform including the up-to-date information on the containment measures put in place and public health recommendations.
Travel restrictions: The COVID-19 situation, including the spread of new variants, evolves rapidly and differs from country to country. All travelers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before traveling. Regularly updated information for all countries with regards to Covid-19 related travel restrictions in place including entry regulations, flight bans, test requirements and quarantine is available on TravelDoc Infopage.
It is also highly recommended to consult COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map provided and updated on the daily basis by IATA.
The US government website of Centers of Disease Control and Prevention provides COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination.
The UK Foreign travel advice also provides travelling abroad advice for all countries, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.
Import & export restrictions: So far, no restrictions have been imposed on imports or exports in the Republic of Benin. For information on all the measures applicable to movement of goods during the period of sanitary emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak (including eventual import and export restrictions, if applicable), please consult the Beninese government platform.
For a general overview of trade restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic, please consult the section dedicated to Benin on the International Trade Centre's COVID-19 Temporary Trade Measures webpage.c
Economic recovery plan: So far, no information on the economic recovery plan to deal with the consequences of the COVID19 pandemic on the Beninese economy has been published on the official websites of the Beninese government.
For a general overview of the main economic policy measures (fiscal, monetary and macroeconomic) taken by the Beninese government to limit the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, please consult the section dedicated to Benin in the IMF’s Policy Tracker platform.
Support plan for businesses: The country's official sources do not provide information on specific business support programmes following the coronavirus epidemic outbreak.
For a general overview of international SME support policies in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, please refer to the World Bank's Map of SME-Support Measures in Response to COVID-19.
Support plan for exporters: The country's government official sources do not provide information with regards to specific schemes for exporting companies following the coronavirus epidemic outbreak.

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