The government of Benin has introduced a new electronic payment system for public agents' mission expenses, effective September 25, 2026. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the new system aims to streamline the payment process and increase transparency. The system, known as the Second Version of the Official Mission Framework (SEMO 2), was launched in December 2025 and has already introduced the full bank transfer of mission expenses.
Under the new system, public agents will no longer receive cash advances for mission expenses. Instead, they will receive payments electronically, either through bank transfers or mobile money. The electronic payment system is linked to the agent's mission and leaves a digital trail, providing better visibility on the processing of their dossier. This change aims to reduce the handling of cash and increase accountability.
The SEMO 2 system has also introduced a number of other features aimed at improving the efficiency of mission expense management. These include the automatic updating of information from the state's payroll system and the ability to track group missions. The system also includes certain controls related to travel, which are designed to prevent abuse and ensure that agents are actually traveling to the destinations listed in their mission orders.
In addition to the electronic payment system, the government plans to introduce a new feature that will allow for the verification of an agent's presence at the location specified in their mission order. This will be achieved through geolocation technology, which will provide an additional layer of accountability and transparency. The SEMO system has already helped to identify cases of duplicate missions and fictitious agents.
The introduction of the electronic payment system is part of a broader effort to modernize the management of public finances in Benin. The government has been working to improve transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, and the new system is seen as a key part of this effort. By reducing the handling of cash and increasing the use of digital technologies, the government aims to reduce the risk of corruption and improve the efficiency of public spending.
The new system has been welcomed by public agents, who see it as a more efficient and transparent way of managing mission expenses. The electronic payment system reduces the administrative burden associated with mission expenses and provides a clearer audit trail. This should help to improve trust in the management of public finances and reduce the risk of corruption.
The government plans to continue to roll out the SEMO 2 system across the public sector, with the aim of achieving full coverage in the coming months. The introduction of the electronic payment system is seen as a major step forward in the modernization of public finance management in Benin, and the government is expected to continue to build on this success in the future.
Key points
- The Benin government has introduced an electronic payment system for public agents' mission expenses, aiming to increase transparency and efficiency.
