The government of Benin has introduced a new policy requiring public entities to purchase locally made products that are listed on an official register. This move aims to support local producers and stimulate the economy. According to a circular issued on September 4, 2026, by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Aristide Mèdénou, public entities must acquire products made locally and listed on the official register from authorized artisans, production units, or local enterprises.
The new policy covers the entire procurement process, from needs assessment to delivery of goods. To be eligible, products must meet technical specifications, standards, and quality requirements outlined in the Reference Price Catalogue (Rpr). If a locally made product is available, replacing it with an imported product requires prior authorization from the Minister of Economy and Finance. This measure is part of the Public Procurement Code established by Law No. 2020-26 of September 29, 2020, and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (Uemoa) Community Code on Artisanal Crafts.
The new policy is designed to promote the preference for community products and support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). To ensure a smooth rollout, a national awareness campaign was launched on September 15, 2026, in Cotonou by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (Armp) and the National Directorate of Public Procurement Control (Dnc). The campaign aims to educate stakeholders about the new policy and its implementation.
The public procurement market represents a significant opportunity for local producers, with a potential demand of approximately 800 billion F CFA per year. However, the challenge lies in ensuring a regular and sufficient supply of products that meet the required specifications and quality standards. Some small production units may face limitations in terms of production capacity or delivery logistics.
The agricultural sector provides an initial illustration of the challenges involved. Rice, which is on the official list, has seen a 31% increase in national production from 374,706 tons in 2018 to 492,626 tons in 2023. However, the annual production volume is not yet sufficient to guarantee availability throughout the year. Several links in the production, processing, and delivery chain must be strengthened to meet regular public demand.
The official list annexed to the circular covers eight product categories, including cereals and derivatives, oilseeds and derivatives, beverages and water, hygiene and cleaning products, textiles and clothing, school and administrative furniture, cultural and musical instruments, and construction materials and works. The list includes products such as gari, rice, fonio, corn, millet, beans, sorghum, and various local oils, juices, soaps, clothing, and handicrafts.
The new policy creates a new outlet for local producers and will test the adequacy between public needs and the actual capacity of the national offer. The "Consommer local" (Buy Local) initiative now faces the challenge of meeting the required volume and quality standards. The implementation of this policy will be closely monitored to assess its impact on the local economy and producers.
Key points
- Public entities in Benin must now prioritize the purchase of locally made products listed on an official register.
- The new policy aims to support local producers and stimulate the economy by promoting the preference for community products.
- The implementation of the policy will require ensuring a regular and sufficient supply of products that meet the required specifications and quality standards.
