Benin and Germany have crossed a decisive threshold in their development partnership. On Thursday, October 8, 2026, delegations from both nations wrapped up strategic bilateral consultations at the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Cooperation in Cotonou, setting the stage for a major shift in their alliance. Co-chaired by Hugues O. Lokossou, minister in charge of mobilizing external resources and debt management, and Dr. Silvia Morgenroth, head of the West Africa Division at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the meeting marked a breakthrough moment that paves the way for intergovernmental negotiations scheduled in Berlin in 2027.
A new financial injection to accelerate energy and business growth
At the close of intense discussions, formalized in a joint statement released on Friday, October 9, 2026, the German side announced the release of an additional €15 million (around 9.8 billion CFA francs) for the current year. This funding is set to drive two critical areas:
- Energy transition: Adding a solar component to the Nangbéto hydroelectric plant, a mixed hydro-solar regional project.
- Local entrepreneurship: Expanding advisory and technical support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a strong emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs.
Three strategic pillars backing Benin’s reform agenda
Welcoming Cotonou’s disciplined economic and financial reforms, the German representation reaffirmed its support for the Government Action Programme (PAG) through three priority domains:
- Financial governance and decentralization: Strengthening local and territorial budget management capacities.
- Private sector development and vocational training: Aligning training with job market needs for young people.
- Water management and biodiversity preservation: Improving environmental resilience for communities.
Both governments also reiterated their shared commitment to consolidating the rule of law, democracy and multilateral values, before officially confirming their major bilateral meeting in Berlin in 2027 to set future multi-year partnership commitments.
