Adin Yeton Bloukounon Goubalan, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, recently concluded an extensive three-day national tour. Spanning from the central regions to the northern reaches of Bénin, the government’s message resonated clearly: Bénin must cease exporting raw materials and instead process its agricultural output domestically. This strategic shift is vital for ensuring the nation’s food security and fostering economic prosperity.
The Beninese government has embarked on a rigorous campaign to modernize its agricultural sector, operating with a palpable sense of urgency. Between June 11th and 13th, Minister Goubalan visited several crucial agricultural hubs, including Paouignan, Glazoué, and Parakou. The primary objective of this journey was to personally assess how the Head of State’s vision—a definitive break from raw product exports—is being transformed into industrial reality on the ground.
Rice and cassava: powering self-sufficiency
A significant stride towards food autonomy is evident in the rice sector. In Glazoué, the agro-industrial conglomerate Premium, already a key player in paddy rice processing, announced a substantial acceleration of its investments. A third processing unit is currently under construction in Dangbo. This new industrial facility is set to dramatically increase the group’s total capacity from 300,000 to 500,000 tonnes of rice annually. This expansion offers a much-needed boost, aiming to reduce Bénin’s reliance on imported Asian rice.
Meanwhile, in Paouignan, the focus is on cassava, often referred to as the ‘white gold’ of the subsoil. Construction on a new local processing plant is nearing completion. This industrial complex will produce gari and tapioca, alongside panifiable flour, offering a crucial local alternative to imported wheat. A notable innovation here is the management model: an unprecedented co-management structure involving both the private sector and local producer groups, designed to ensure equitable profit distribution and secure rural employment opportunities.
Cashew sector: cracking down on contraband
While local processing is advancing, it faces a significant hurdle: the consistent availability of raw materials. In the cashew sector, domestic processors are raising alarms over the substantial outflow of raw cashew nuts to neighboring countries through illicit channels.
Minister Goubalan adopted a firm stance on this issue. The government is committed to intensifying border controls and prioritizing the securing of raw cashew stocks for factories operating within national territory. For the executive, allowing raw nuts to leave the country is tantamount to exporting potential jobs for Beninese youth, undermining the nation’s broader economic development.
Cotton: aiming for 700,000 tonnes with incentive bonuses
The tour concluded with a focus on the cotton sector, a particularly sensitive component of Bénin’s agricultural economy. Following three consecutive seasons marked by declining production, the government is determined to revitalize the industry. A challenging target of 700,000 tonnes has been set for the 2026-2027 campaign.
To re-energize producers and bolster their purchasing power amidst rising input costs, the President of the Republic has introduced a powerful incentive: an exceptional bonus of 10 FCFA per kilogram of cotton produced. This payment will be disbursed once the national threshold of 700,000 tonnes is surpassed. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the backbone of Bénin’s agricultural economy today.
Through robust measures against smuggling, financial incentives for producers, and significant industrial development projects, Bénin is actively shaping a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural economy. While logistical and climatic challenges persist, the political will to achieve these ambitious goals appears firmly established.
