Cotonou, Benin – Benin’s agricultural sector has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past three years, with rice production nearly doubling from 406,000 tonnes in 2020 to approximately 712,000 tonnes in 2023—surpassing the government’s initial target of 700,000 tonnes. Maize production also saw a steady rise, reaching 1.7 million tonnes in 2023 compared to 1.5 million tonnes in 2020.
One of the most striking developments has been in the cashew industry. The share of locally processed cashew nuts more than doubled, soaring from 19 percent in 2020 to 40.26 percent in 2023. This progress is largely attributed to the operations at the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone, a major agro-industrial hub aimed at boosting value-added processing within the country.
AfDB’s Role in Economic Reforms and Agricultural Expansion
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has played a crucial role in supporting Benin’s economic reforms and agricultural productivity. Two key projects, embedded within the AfDB’s 2022-2026 Country Strategy for Benin, have been instrumental in driving growth: the Project to Support Agricultural Infrastructure in the Ouémé Valley and the Project to Support Food Production and Strengthen Resilience in the Departments of Alibori, Borgou, and Collines.
These initiatives have enabled the development of 1,022 hectares of hydro-agricultural land and 6,522 hectares of lowland farming areas, significantly enhancing the country’s agricultural capacity. The impact of these efforts was highlighted in the AfDB’s mid-term review of its Country Strategy Paper, released on February 11, 2025.
Beyond Agriculture: Growth in Livestock, Transport, and Energy Sectors
Beyond crop production, Benin has also made notable advancements in its livestock industry. Milk production increased from 115 million liters in 2021 to 125.25 million liters in 2023, while meat production surged from 87,000 tonnes in 2021 to 108,000 tonnes in 2023.
In the transport sector, major upgrades at Cotonou Port, backed by the AfDB, are expected to increase port traffic from 9.57 million tonnes in 2023 to 15 million tonnes by 2026. These improvements will enhance Benin’s role as a key regional trade hub.
The energy sector has also witnessed significant expansion. The AfDB-backed projects currently include the construction of 1,447 km of high-voltage power lines, with 101.55 km already completed, along with 5.2 km of medium-voltage lines and 1,584 km of low-voltage lines under construction. As a result, national electricity access has improved from 36.5 percent in 2020 to nearly 40 percent in 2023, with rural electrification rising from 10.4 percent to 12 percent over the same period.
Water, Sanitation, and Climate Resilience
Access to clean water in rural areas reached 80 percent in 2023, thanks to AfDB-financed projects that constructed 2,300 linear meters of water pipelines and connected 31,486 water meters. These interventions have also reduced the number of people at risk of flooding, reinforcing the country’s climate resilience.
Looking Ahead: Financial Innovation and Sustainable Growth
To sustain this momentum, the AfDB and the Government of Benin are emphasizing financial innovation to attract investment.
“The Bank and the Government of Benin aim to achieve rapid results by putting more emphasis on financial innovation, such as guarantee instruments to mobilize innovative financial solutions and results-based financing mechanisms,” said Robert Masumbuko, head of the AfDB’s country office in Benin.
As one of Benin’s leading technical and financial partners, the AfDB currently oversees 16 active operations in the country, valued at $1.2 billion as of January 1, 2025. With continued investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy, Benin is positioning itself as a regional leader in economic development and resilience.
