(Ecofin Agency) - • Benin is moving to digitize public procurement to simplify processes and increase transparency.
• New regulations have been introduced to strengthen governance and modernize the sector.
• The reform is part of a broader push to reduce corruption and improve government efficiency.

Benin is working to simplify public procurement by moving to digital systems. The government’s goal is to make the procurement process easier and more transparent through an electronic system. This initiative was outlined in the Council of Ministers’ meeting on April 9, 2025.

The government has updated procurement laws to support this digital shift. The new regulations aim to modernize the sector and improve governance. Officials say that digitalizing procurement will benefit both suppliers and government authorities by improving efficiency and reducing corruption.

Benin has made digital transformation a priority in recent years. The government has introduced an e-procurement system that simplifies procedures and increases transparency. New laws have been enacted, and training has been provided to stakeholders. A public procurement portal has also been launched, offering online access to tenders and submissions.

The government has also introduced reforms like the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) law and established the National Directorate of Public Procurement (DNMP) and the National Commission for Public Procurement Regulation (CNRMP) to oversee procurement activities.

These changes aim to optimize public funds, attract foreign investment, and tackle challenges like corruption. However, more work is needed to strengthen the legal and institutional framework to fight corruption. In 2024, Benin improved its Corruption Perception Index score to 45, up from 43 in 2023.

Benin is showing steady growth despite an external environment marked notably by the sharp depreciation of the Naira, according to the IMF. In 2024, growth was recorded at 7.5%, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Demographics (Instad).

Lydie Mobio (intern)