The government of Benin has initiated a new program aimed at modernizing the public administration by inviting citizens and stakeholders to propose concrete solutions to administrative challenges. On October 28, 2026, Minister Delegate for Budget and Public Service Rodrigue Tchaou and Minister and Government Spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji presented a press conference to introduce the National Administrative Simplification Prize. This initiative seeks to gather proposals that can simplify, speed up, and increase access to administrative procedures for users.
The National Administrative Simplification Prize is part of the government's efforts to modernize the state and build on previous initiatives, such as the co-construction of the National Action Plan for the Open Government Partnership (OGP). It also aims to implement the "tell us once" principle and achieve 100% dematerialization of administrative procedures by 2030. According to Minister Rodrigue Tchaou, this reform is a personal idea of President Romuald Wadagni, expressed in his project for society during the last presidential campaign.
The prize is designed to foster dialogue between the state and citizens to develop solutions tailored to difficulties encountered on the ground. Minister Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji emphasized the need for a more effective administration, leveraging opportunities offered by digital technology. He noted that some difficulties faced by users may not be apparent to administrative officials, and the prize aims to give citizens, businesses, and public agents a voice in identifying weaknesses and proposing solutions.
The contest is open to all, with no nationality or residency requirements, and Benin nationals in the diaspora are also eligible. According to Valentin Sokpin, president of the technical committee, anyone over 18 years old can participate. The prize is particularly aimed at public administration officials, citizens, and businesses. Proposals can be submitted starting from Thursday, and the government encourages participation from all interested parties.
The National Administrative Simplification Prize reflects a new approach to governance, based on citizen participation in public decision-making. By involving citizens in the development of solutions, the government aims to create a more efficient and responsive administration. The prize is expected to contribute to a significant simplification of administrative procedures, aligning with the president's project for society.
Minister Rodrigue Tchaou recalled that the presidential project provides for a reform that will lead to a genuine shock of simplification of administrative procedures. The government believes that this initiative will help build a more effective and efficient administration, better equipped to serve citizens and businesses.
The launch of the National Administrative Simplification Prize marks an important step in Benin's efforts to modernize its public administration and promote citizen engagement in governance. The government looks forward to receiving proposals from all interested parties and working with them to build a more efficient and responsive administration.
Key points
- The National Administrative Simplification Prize is open to all citizens, businesses, and public agents, with no nationality or residency requirements.
- The prize aims to achieve 100% dematerialization of administrative procedures by 2030.
- Proposals can be submitted starting from Thursday, and the government encourages participation from all interested parties.
