CFI Data on Benin

Formerly known as Dahomey, Benin shares its border with Togo (west), Burkina Faso (north-west), Nigeria (east) and Niger (North east). The country has a free market economy which has been growing progressively for four years. Growth decelerated in 2017 and the country was exposed to risks from volatile commodity prices. Its economy is underdeveloped and reliant on subsistence agriculture, cotton production and regional trade. 40% of the country's GDP is accounted for by cotton. It is also a main export commodity with 80% of the official export earnings coming through it. Poverty has been increasing despite a consistent GDP growth rate of 4-5% over the last two decades. An average growth rate of 5% (during the past 7 years) in output has been nullified by a rapid population growth. The service sector forms a significant portion of GDP mainly because of the country's geographical location, transportation, enabling trade, transport and tourism activities with adjoining states. Benin is a member of the CFA Franc zone which offers both currency stability and access to French economic support. France is both the major export and import partner. Private foreign direct investment is low and a large proportion of investment in infrastructure projects comes through foreign aid. The country has a high degree of income inequality denoted by a value of 47.8. The level of human development is also low (0.520 in 2018). In 2006,a $307 million Millennium Challenge Grant was signed by the government in which projects to improve land tenure systems, commercial justice system and financial sector were incorporated. The country has a diversified microfinance sector with a microfinance services penetration rate of 60%. Revenues from economic activities in Port of Cotonou account for more than 40% of the country's national budget. In order to achieve its economic potential, Benin needs to upgrade its infrastructure, remove corruption and increase access to foreign markets.