In a significant development for Benin's palm oil sector, stakeholders gathered in Pobè on October 28, 2026, to validate a mechanism aimed at improving the marketing of palm fruits and derived products. The new system, initiated by the National Chamber of Agriculture of Benin, seeks to enhance transparency and fairness in transactions, ultimately benefiting producers and transformers. This move is expected to boost the income of those involved in the sector.
The meeting, which brought together producers, transformers, traders, and government representatives, focused on examining and validating the marketing mechanism. El Hadj Arouna Lawani, president of the Interprofessional Association of Palm Oil in Benin (Aiph-Bénin), advocated for more transparent transactions, better coordination among stakeholders, and fair remuneration for producers and transformers. He also praised the attention given to the sector by the Head of State, Romuald Wadagni, and the contributions that led to the development of this strategic document.
The validated mechanism aims to clarify commercial rules, strengthen trust among stakeholders, and promote greater transparency in price formation. According to sector professionals, the goal is to establish a more balanced marketing system that considers the constraints of producers and transformers while ensuring better organization of exchanges. This development is seen as crucial for improving the income of actors and the profitability of activities in the sector.
Beyond the validation of the document, Aiph-Bénin expects concrete changes on the ground, particularly in terms of remuneration and profitability. The effectiveness of the system will depend on its appropriation by professionals and adherence to agreed-upon rules. Stakeholders emphasized the need for a concerted approach to ensure the economic viability of the sector.
Representatives of the Directorate of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of the Plateau (Ddaep-Plateau) and the National Chamber of Agriculture highlighted the importance of interprofessional associations in facilitating dialogue and finding sustainable solutions. They stressed the need to preserve the profitability of agricultural exploitations, which face various economic constraints. Improving marketing conditions is seen as a key lever for supporting producers and consolidating transformation activities.
The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (Maep), Irénée Adje, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the sector. The authorities are expected to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the new marketing mechanism. This collaboration is crucial for achieving the desired outcomes and addressing the challenges faced by the sector.
The introduction of this new marketing mechanism marks a significant step towards a more equitable and sustainable palm oil sector in Benin. Its success will depend on the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders involved. With the government's support and the commitment of sector professionals, Benin aims to improve the livelihoods of those involved in the palm oil sector and increase the sector's overall profitability.
Key points
- A new marketing mechanism has been validated to improve the commercialization of palm fruits and derived products in Benin.
- The mechanism aims to promote transparency, fairness, and better coordination among stakeholders in the palm oil sector.
- The effective implementation of the system will depend on the appropriation and adherence of professionals and the government's continued support.
