The Benin government has approved a new program, "Le Bénin plus loin, ensemble," which aims to redistribute growth and convert economic gains into tangible benefits for citizens. The program, which covers 2026-2033, prioritizes the redistribution of growth over mere economic expansion. The government's goal is to achieve an annual growth rate of 7.7% and finance the program mainly through private investment.
The program, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on November 4, 2026, is built around the concept of converting growth into concrete benefits, including income, opportunities, and services. The government, led by Romuald Wadagni, acknowledges that despite macroeconomic progress, the benefits have not yet trickled down to households. The program is a successor to the "Bénin révélé" initiative, which guided the previous decade.
The new program identifies three major challenges: eradicating extreme poverty, expanding the productive base, and consolidating governance. Eradicating extreme poverty is prioritized as a condition for the well-being of "all and everywhere." This challenge is not limited to a specific sector but encompasses health, social protection, living conditions, and local services.
The program draws inspiration from three sources: the presidential candidate's project, the Vision Bénin 2060 Alafia, and the National Development Plan 2026-2035. By anchoring the program in these frameworks, the government aims to balance short-term electoral commitments with long-term national planning. This balancing act is crucial, as electoral programs are typically designed for a single term, while national planning spans several decades.
The program outlines specific details, including its duration, three major challenges, six sectors, two transversal levers, and two execution phases. The government has also specified the expected distribution of financing. However, some aspects, such as the projected average annual growth rate of 7.7% and maintaining a budget deficit below 3% of GDP, remain subject to future performance.
The program's success will depend on the government's ability to implement its plans and achieve the projected growth rate. A sustained growth rate would expand the tax base and facilitate budgetary management. Conversely, a decline in growth would strain the budget and potentially impact the program's overall feasibility.
The government's ambition is reflected in its vision of "zero exclusion, 100% opportunities" and an economy that is "décomplexée." While these goals express a clear intention, their realization will depend on the effective implementation of the program and the government's ability to address the country's challenges.
Key points
- The program prioritizes the redistribution of growth and aims to achieve an annual growth rate of 7.7%.
- The government has identified three major challenges: eradicating extreme poverty, expanding the productive base, and consolidating governance.
- The program draws inspiration from the presidential candidate's project, the Vision Bénin 2060 Alafia, and the National Development Plan 2026-2035.
