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République du BéninHonorary Consulate of Benin in Liège

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Economy: Benin targets 7% growth in 2026, among the highest in WAEMU

Growth of around 7%, contained inflation, strong gains at the port of Cotonou and over 25,000 jobs at the Glo-Djigbé industrial zone: the key figures of Benin's economy in 2026.

Published on September 18, 2026

In 2026 Benin confirms its place among West Africa's most dynamic economies.

Growth of around 7%

Source2026 growth forecast
Government (finance law)7.5%
IMF (April 2026)7.0%
World Bank (January 2026)7%
African Development Bank7.0%

According to the World Bank, this is the highest expected growth in the WAEMU. Inflation is forecast at around 2%.

Public finances

  • 2026 budget: CFA 3,783.984 billion, raised to CFA 4,148.357 billion in the supplementary budget.
  • International markets: in January 2026 Benin issued its first sovereign sukuk, USD 500 million over seven years.

Growth drivers

  • Port of Cotonou: 7.79 million tonnes in the first half of 2026 (+16.6%). The port has been managed since 2018 by a subsidiary of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
  • Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ): over 25,000 jobs and around twenty plants in operation.
  • Agriculture: cotton and cashew remain the leading export crops.

Investing from Belgium

The APIEx agency is the one-stop shop for investors, including from the diaspora. See also the territorial poles reform, our Investing in Benin page and our article on tourism. For the legalisation of articles of association or powers of attorney, the post can help.

Sources

Latest news

Published on September 26, 2026

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Published on September 25, 2026

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Published on September 24, 2026

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