In a move to strengthen the soybean supply chain in Benin, the Interprofession soja Bénin (I-Soja Bénin) has issued supply rights to 23 soybean processing plant directors. The ceremony, held at the National Chamber of Agriculture in Cotonou, was presided over by Djibril Afatiti, President of the Interprofession. This development aims to improve the organization of soybean marketing for the upcoming campaign. The supply rights will enable industrialists to purchase soybeans more easily and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for their plants.
The I-Soja Bénin is working to better organize the soybean market by implementing measures to secure production and transportation. According to Hassane Ibrahim N'Guatado, Secretary Permanent of the I-Soja Bénin, the supply rights will help prevent fraudulent exports of soybeans to neighboring countries. The industrialists who received the supply rights will need to match them with order forms from their suppliers. This move is expected to increase transparency and accountability in the soybean supply chain.
The soybean industry in Benin has shown significant growth in recent years. The production of soybeans has increased from around 500,000 tons in 2024 to over 800,000 tons for the 2026-2027 campaign. This represents a growth of over 60% in just two years. The I-Soja Bénin attributes this growth to investments made to support the different segments of the industry. The organization has invested over 4 billion FCFA to boost soybean production and processing.
The I-Soja Bénin is optimistic about the upcoming marketing campaign, with an ambitious target of supplying national plants with over 450,000 tons of soybeans. To achieve this goal, the organization is working with producers to organize group marketing initiatives. The supply rights issued to industrialists are a key part of this strategy. By securing a stable supply of soybeans, the industry aims to increase production and competitiveness.
The growth of the soybean industry in Benin has been recognized regionally and internationally. Djibril Afatiti praised the quality of Benin's soybeans, saying they are now a source of pride for the sub-region and the world. He attributed this success to the efforts of all stakeholders in the industry and the support of the government. The government's backing has been instrumental in enabling the I-Soja Bénin to implement initiatives that have driven growth in the sector.
The I-Soja Bénin is committed to continuing its efforts to develop the soybean industry in Benin. The organization is working to improve the livelihoods of producers and processors, while also increasing the country's soybean production and processing capacity. With the supply rights now in place, industrialists are well-positioned to play a key role in driving growth in the sector.
As the 2026-2027 marketing campaign approaches, the soybean industry in Benin is poised for further growth and development. With a strong supply chain in place, industrialists are confident about their ability to meet demand for soybeans. The I-Soja Bénin will continue to play a critical role in coordinating the industry's efforts and ensuring that the sector continues to thrive.
Key points
- The I-Soja Bénin has issued supply rights to 23 soybean processing plant directors ahead of the 2026-2027 marketing campaign.
- Benin's soybean production has increased from 500,000 tons in 2024 to over 800,000 tons for the 2026-2027 campaign.
- The I-Soja Bénin aims to supply national plants with over 450,000 tons of soybeans during the upcoming marketing campaign.
