Benin approves sweeping economic and social reforms at May council of ministers meeting
Under the leadership of President Patrice Talon, Benin’s Council of Ministers met on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, to approve a series of major policy and structural reforms aimed at accelerating national development and improving public service delivery.
One of the key highlights was the transmission of the Multiannual Budgetary and Economic Programming Document 2026–2028 to the National Assembly.
With the economy growing at 7.5% in 2024, driven by gains in agriculture, industry, and trade, the document aims to consolidate fiscal sustainability amid global uncertainties.
The upcoming parliamentary debate will be coordinated by the Ministers of Economy and Finance, and Justice and Legislation.
In a move to safeguard coastal and lagoon environments, the Council approved the creation of the Beninese Maritime and Fluvio-Lagoon Infrastructure Company.
This entity will oversee long-term coastal protection projects, dredging, and the maintenance of national maritime fleets.
Further, the Council endorsed the launch of a project management mission for a new Agri-Food Technical Center.
The initiative will enhance food industry competitiveness through quality control, modern equipment, and export readiness.
A ten-year National Policy for the Promotion and Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (2025–2034) also received approval.
The policy targets job creation and sustainable economic inclusion through institutional support for MSMEs.
Eight companies were granted approval under the Investment Code, spanning industries from flour production and mobile telecom expansion to industrial food processing and casino development.
These projects are expected to generate jobs and stimulate diverse sectors of the economy.
Emergency roadworks were greenlit to repair critical infrastructure across 16 municipalities, including collapsed structures and damaged safety installations.
Major roads in both rural and urban zones, including the Martin Luther King Bridge in Cotonou, are set for rehabilitation.
New terms were introduced for low-cost housing programs, extending eligibility to retirees and the diaspora, increasing repayment terms to 20 years, and reducing interest rates from 6.5% to 4.5%.
Social housing conditions for civil servants remain unchanged.
The Council also approved urgent repairs for storm-damaged roofs in 135 public schools across 53 municipalities, ensuring students can safely continue their education.
Contracts were awarded to construction firms to expedite this work.
Internationally, Benin will participate in the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris from July 6–16, 2025.
Additionally, ministries were authorized to attend various development and governance-related meetings abroad during the year.
Significant judicial appointments were announced, including:
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Cosme Ahoyo and Eric Dewedi as Supreme Court Counselors;
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Kocou Agbézounkè Hounyovi as Attorney General;
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Komlan Latifou Franck Djigla as President of the Public Enterprises Audit Chamber;
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Jesukon Antoine Abevi as Director of the National Criminal Records Center;
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Romain Koffi as President of the Commercial Court of Cotonou;
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Olushegun Tidjani Serpos as Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Cotonou;
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Christian Adjakas as Attorney General at the Cotonou Court of Appeal;
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Christian Atayi as President of the Court of Appeal of Abomey.
These far-reaching decisions reflect Benin’s continued commitment to structural reform, economic resilience, and institutional modernization.
Source: 24haubenin
