Benin is confirming its economic transformation trajectory, marked by a notable surge in entrepreneurial dynamism. The country scored 84.51 points out of 100 in the Business Ready (B-Ready) 2025 report by the World Bank, indicating significant progress in business entry regulations. This development is complemented by the creation of 55,346 enterprises in 2025, representing an 11.3% increase from 2024.
The growth in entrepreneurship is occurring alongside a robust economic expansion. According to the World Bank, Benin's economy grew by 7.5% in 2024 and further accelerated to 8.1% in 2025. The services and industry sectors have been strong drivers of this economic activity. This positive trend suggests that Benin's economy is increasingly driven by services, industry, digitalization, and private investment.
The increase in entrepreneurship is also reflected in the formalization of activities. The Beninese Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Exports (Apiex) reported that 55,346 enterprises were created in 2025, up from 49,728 in 2024. This 11.3% annual increase indicates a growing entrepreneurial culture in the country.
Historically, starting a business in Benin was often associated with complex procedures, lengthy administrative processes, and difficulties in accessing public services. However, the landscape is gradually changing, with entrepreneurship taking up more space in the national economy. The formalization of activities is experiencing a new acceleration, as evidenced by the Apiex's published figures.
The growth in new enterprises is not confined to a single sector. According to Apiex data, all three main sectors of activity have seen an increase in business creations. The primary sector saw an increase from 957 in 2024 to 1,289 in 2025, representing a 34.7% growth. The secondary sector grew from 4,848 to 5,640, a 16.3% increase.
The tertiary sector remains the dominant sector in terms of business creation, although specific figures for this sector are not provided. The World Bank's B-Ready 2025 report evaluates 101 economies across ten business-related areas. Benin's score of 84.51 points specifically relates to business entry regulations, measuring the conditions, public services, and operational efficiency associated with this stage.
The combination of economic growth, an increasing number of enterprises, and a favorable administrative environment positions Benin for continued economic transformation. The country's efforts to improve its business environment and encourage entrepreneurship appear to be yielding positive results, setting the stage for sustained economic development.
Key points
- Benin's economy grew by 8.1% in 2025, driven by the services and industry sectors.
- The country saw the creation of 55,346 enterprises in 2025, an 11.3% increase from 2024.
- Benin scored 84.51 points out of 100 in the Business Ready (B-Ready) 2025 report for business entry regulations.
