The Chamber of Artisanal Crafts of Benin (CMA-Bénin) is holding its second ordinary session of the year from October 6 to 7, 2026, in Cotonou. The main focus of the session is the examination and adoption of the 2027 budget. The session brings together elected council members who will review and approve the budget. This year's session is particularly important as it will enable the Chamber to have a suitable budget to face future challenges.
The President of CMA-Bénin commended the commitment of the council members to contribute to the growth of the sector. He emphasized that the current session is crucial as it will allow the Chamber to have a budget that will enable it to better address the challenges it faces. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Employment Promotion for her support and the quality of the institutional dialogue.
The Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Employment Promotion, Awaou Baco, officially opened the session. She highlighted that artisanal crafts are a fundamental pillar of the national economy and embody national identity. According to her, the 2027 budget should go beyond a simple accounting exercise and produce concrete results for artisans. She emphasized that the CMA-Bénin should not only represent artisans but also produce tangible results for them.
Minister Awaou Baco outlined several priorities, including access to financing, formalization, qualification, and reinforcement of skills. She also stressed the importance of product quality and access to markets. Furthermore, she highlighted the role of artisans in the value chains of territorial economic poles and the significance of the renewal of the consular bodies in 2027.
The Minister called on the council members to work towards structuring, professionalizing, and accompanying the artisans to produce results. Her goal is to build a stronger, more credible CMA-Bénin that serves the artisans better. The session provides an opportunity for council members to discuss and adopt the 2027 budget, which will guide the Chamber's activities in the coming year.
In 2027, the CMA-Bénin will experience an institutional transition marked by the renewal of its bodies. The Minister encouraged the council members to approach this transition with a sense of responsibility, serenity, and respect for the general interest. The renewal of the consular bodies is expected to bring new perspectives and dynamism to the Chamber.
The second ordinary session of the CMA-Bénin's consular assembly will conclude on October 7, 2026, with the adoption of the 2027 budget. The budget will play a crucial role in shaping the Chamber's activities and services to artisans in Benin.
Key points
- The CMA-Bénin's 2027 budget is expected to produce concrete results for artisans.
