The Economic and Social Council (CES) of Benin commenced its first ordinary session of the year on Friday, July 11, 2025, marking a crucial moment for the institution’s seventh-term National Councillors.
Over the course of the next thirty days, the council will tackle a broad spectrum of socio-economic issues central to the wellbeing of Beninese citizens.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the CES headquarters in Cotonou, President Conrad Gbaguidi outlined the ambitious agenda ahead, underscoring the session’s importance for the country’s socio-economic development.
“We have 30 days, ladies and gentlemen, 30 days to implement the activities thus listed. The program planned for this session is ambitious and it requires our availability and civic engagement,” he said.
Among the 17 key agenda items are the examination and adoption of resolutions from the recent tripartite government seminar, the review of the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the CES’s procedural rules, and the assessment of reports from the first extraordinary sessions of departmental CES councils.
The council will also focus on the dissemination of laws addressing offenses linked to gender, sexual and reproductive health, and the pastoral code in Benin.
“This session will be an opportunity to implement reflections and activities essential to socio-economic development,” Gbaguidi emphasized, urging councillors to collaborate openly and with commitment.
He also expressed gratitude to President Patrice Talon for his continued support of the council’s work.
The 21 National Councillors will engage deeply with the topics, culminating in well-informed opinions and recommendations aimed at guiding both the government and National Assembly.
Through this process, the CES seeks to shape effective public policies that address Benin’s pressing social and economic challenges.
As the session unfolds, the council’s efforts promise to be a pivotal force in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development across the country.
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