Benin has stepped confidently onto the world stage at the Osaka 2025 World Expo in Japan, where more than 160 nations are gathered to showcase innovation, culture, and economic potential.
The West African nation’s presence, under the banner “Benin Horizons: A Journey of Culture and Opportunities,” has captured global attention and positioned the country as a rising destination for tourism and investment.
Far beyond its stunning cultural display, Benin’s participation in the Expo is a calculated move by the government to boost foreign interest in its thriving industrial and tourism sectors.
The Zone Industrielle de Glo-Djigbé (GDIZ), a centerpiece of Benin’s industrial strategy, is being prominently promoted as a magnet for international investors.
Through its exhibit, the country is also showcasing ambitious tourism development projects designed to highlight its natural and cultural heritage.
Visitors to the Benin Pavilion — whether from Japan, China, Europe, or across Africa — are greeted with a vivid presentation of the country’s top exports and cultural icons.
From the sweet “Pain de Sucre” pineapple and processed cashew nuts to innovative textile designs and captivating travel destinations, the pavilion paints a compelling picture of a country rich in tradition, ripe with opportunity, and ready for global partnerships.
“The government’s decision to participate in this global showcase was both bold and forward-thinking,” remarked an official representative.
“It reflects a commitment to leveraging international platforms to strengthen Benin’s position in the global economy.”
At home, this international strategy was echoed during a high-level meeting on April 16 between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin (CCI Bénin) and six newly appointed ambassadors.
Representing Benin in the United States, India, Qatar, Kuwait, China, and Morocco, the diplomats discussed how to deepen economic ties and open doors for Beninese entrepreneurs abroad.
“We have launched reforms that have significantly improved our services and energised our economic landscape,” said Arnauld Akakpo, president of CCI Bénin.
The ambassadors expressed strong support for these initiatives and pledged to serve as vital links between Benin and their host nations.
Their collective effort signals a new era of economic diplomacy, with Benin aligning its domestic ambitions with international outreach to secure a dynamic and prosperous future.
