(Ecofin Agency) - As highlighted by the World Bank, Benin is grappling with major socio-economic challenges despite progress in reducing poverty and improving human development. In 2021, its Human Development Index ranked it 30th in Africa.

The government of Benin has approved a new social protection strategy for 2024–2028. The plan, announced during a Cabinet meeting on November 20, is backed by a budget of over CFA709 billion ($1.13 billion). This initiative is part of a broader national policy to build a more resilient society by 2033.

The strategy focuses on four key areas: improving household incomes, enhancing access to social services, adapting to crises, and better coordinating the social protection system. It aims to support vulnerable groups facing poverty, economic downturns, climate change, and natural disasters.

Benin’s challenges are significant. According to the World Bank, despite progress in reducing poverty and improving human development, the country faces critical socio-economic issues. With a young and vulnerable population, about 85% of Benin's workforce operates in the informal economy, and over half of the population lives below the poverty line of $3.20 per day. Regional and global tensions further threaten the country's development gains, worsening household insecurity.

Benin also struggles with a low Human Development Index (HDI), ranking 166th out of 191 countries in 2021 and 30th in Africa.

To address these issues, the government is focusing on key programs like the ARCH project (Insurance for Strengthening Human Capital), which provides essential social services and health coverage to vulnerable groups. Another initiative, the ACCESS project (Support to Municipalities and Communities for the Expansion of Social Services), aims to improve infrastructure and foster social cohesion in the most fragile areas.

The ultimate goal is for Benin’s population, especially its most vulnerable groups, to become more resilient to socio-economic, climate, and security shocks by 2033. The government envisions these groups actively contributing to sustainable and inclusive development.