On October 28, 2026, the Menontin market in Cotonou, Benin, hosted "Panier Minute," a fun event organized as part of the "Consommons Local" month. The game show combined timed shopping, dance contests, and Q&A sessions to promote Benin's locally made products. Participants had one minute and 10,000 Fcfa to fill a basket with only Beninese products. The event was lively, with contestants rushing to find local products to put in their baskets.
The "Panier Minute" initiative aims to show that consuming local products is within everyone's reach. Each participant received an envelope with 10,000 Fcfa in cash before the game started and had exactly 60 seconds to make their purchases. Only local products meeting the operation's criteria were considered. The game showcased the diversity of Benin's food and handicraft products and allowed consumers to discover locally made items they might not have known about before.
Cyriaque Agbo Memewa, a participant, said the experience helped him discover new products. "There are products I never knew were made in Benin. I now know that with just 10,000 Fcfa, I can eat 100% made-in-Benin products," he stated, pledging to consume local products to support the market and economic growth. Other challenges, such as dance contests and Q&A sessions about Beninese products, were also part of the program, with prizes like t-shirts and gadgets.
The Ministry of Internal Trade organized the event to attract market users and internet users, promoting renewed interest in national products. The message is clear: buying local products supports producers, promotes know-how, and grows the national economy. The event was a success, with participants and onlookers enjoying the festive atmosphere.
The "Panier Minute" game show offered a platform for local producers to showcase their products. It demonstrated that consuming local products is not only affordable but also fun. With 10,000 Fcfa, participants could buy a variety of Beninese products, from food to handicrafts. The event encouraged people to explore and appreciate the diversity of locally made products.
The Ministry of Internal Trade hopes to replicate such events to promote local consumption and support economic growth. By encouraging people to buy local products, the government aims to increase the value added to producers and contribute to the country's economic development. The "Panier Minute" initiative is a step in the right direction, promoting a culture of local consumption and appreciation for Beninese products.
The success of "Panier Minute" highlights the potential for similar initiatives to promote local products and support economic growth in Benin. With the right strategies and events, the government and private sector can work together to encourage local consumption and contribute to the country's economic development. The "Panier Minute" game show has set a positive precedent for future events.
Key points
- The "Panier Minute" game show promotes local products and encourages people to consume 100% made-in-Benin products.
- The event offers a platform for local producers to showcase their products and supports economic growth.
- The initiative aims to increase the value added to producers and contribute to Benin's economic development.
