Benin's Libre Express Signs Convention with HAAC to Consolidate Institutional Framework

Libre Express, an online media outlet in Benin, has signed a convention with the High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) on October 1, 2026, in Cotonou. This step is part of the process of regulating digital media in Benin and comes as the media seeks to expand its formats and strengthen its journalistic productions. The ceremony was attended by 89 digital media operators, including 50 online press organs, 13 web radios, and 26 web televisions.

The signature of the convention marks an institutional step in the evolution of Libre Express's activity. Since its launch in 2022, Libre Express has covered Beninese news with a particular interest in judicial and security issues. The media outlet has focused on cases examined by the Court of Repression of Economic Infractions and Terrorism (CRIET), social facts, and security-related issues. Libre Express aims to maintain this orientation while developing content that requires more time and resources.

Libre Express plans to diversify its productions by strengthening its investigative reporting, in-depth articles, and field reporting. The media outlet also intends to develop audiovisual formats, including interviews and video articles, to reach different audiences and adapt its content to digital uses. This evolution is part of Libre Express's strategy to expand its coverage beyond Benin and provide more regular coverage of African news.

The development of Libre Express involves consolidating its production and diffusion capacities while maintaining its editorial independence. The media outlet's promoter, Ozias Hounguè, emphasizes that the perspectives of development must remain compatible with Libre Express's editorial independence. Collaborations with partners are envisaged as a means of supporting the activity, provided that the media outlet's identity and the distinction between journalistic information and commercial communication are preserved.

The diversification of editorial content and the expansion of coverage require human, technical, and financial resources. Like other digital media outlets, the production of original content and the development of new formats represent an economic challenge for Libre Express. The media outlet is seeking a viable model, which involves developing partnerships and advertising services without substituting journalistic treatment.

The convention signed with HAAC is part of a phase where Libre Express is seeking to consolidate its organization and prepare for its future development. The results of the announced orientations depend on their implementation and the resources mobilized. The challenge is now to transform this step into concrete progress in the production of verified information, the realization of reports, and the diversification of content while preserving the media outlet's editorial credibility.

The partnership between Libre Express and HAAC is a significant step towards the institutionalization of digital media in Benin. With 89 digital media operators involved in the process, the HAAC is working to regulate the digital media landscape in Benin. Libre Express's commitment to developing its institutional framework and expanding its journalistic productions is a positive development for the Beninese media landscape.

Key points

• Libre Express has signed a convention with HAAC to strengthen its institutional framework and expand its journalistic productions.
• The media outlet aims to diversify its content and expand its coverage beyond Benin to provide more regular coverage of African news.
• The development of Libre Express requires human, technical, and financial resources, and the media outlet is seeking a viable economic model.