(Ecofin Agency) - Since 2016, when Patrice Talon became president, Benin has embraced digital transformation. He made digital technology a key part of his development plan, aiming to use it to drive economic growth and modernize the country.

Benin's Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalization (MND) plans to allocate CFA16.4 billion (about $26.4 million) to digital projects in 2025. This represents 56.8% of the ministry's total budget, as announced by Minister Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou on November 18 during her presentation of the 2025 budget to the National Assembly. 

The ministry's total budget for 2025 is CFA29.03 billion, a 19.3% increase compared to the CFA24.4 billion allocated in 2024. Operating expenses are projected at CFA9.1 billion, while capital expenditures will amount to CFA19.9 billion. 

"This budget will allow us to continue implementing the Government Action Plan (PAG) and to intensify efforts on our digital and media projects. The budget increase reflects the impactful projects we plan to implement in 2025, particularly in the digital sector, but also in media, where quality content will be brought to the screen," Minister Soulé Zoumarou stated. 

Since President Patrice Talon took office in 2016, Benin has embraced digital transformation as a key driver of growth and development. However, while the country performs well in cybersecurity, ranking in Tier 2 with a score of 91.54 out of 100 in 2024 according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), its overall digital performance lags behind other African nations. 

The ITU's "Measuring Digital Development – ICT Development Index 2024" ranked Benin 29th in Africa with a score of 45.4 out of 100, below the African average of 50.3. Similarly, the United Nations' "E-Government Survey 2024" classified Benin as having a "medium" E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.4578, slightly above the African average of 0.4247. 

In addition to digital initiatives, the ministry plans to spend CFA2.6 billion on governance and support programs and CFA10.03 billion on media development. These funds will support reforms in public media, including the creation of three TV channels and four radio stations. mong the highlights for 2025 is the launch of "Benin TV Alafia," a national-language television channel. 

Minister Soulé Zoumarou emphasized the government's commitment to making impactful investments in both digital and media sectors to advance Benin’s development goals.