Côte d’Ivoire and Benin Establish a Framework to Promote and Facilitate Investment

Benin and Côte d’Ivoire ranked first and third respectively in terms of GDP growth within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU/UEMOA) in December 2025. Through a new strategic partnership framework, the two countries aim to strengthen their cooperation, encourage joint projects, and further improve the business climate.

The Investment Promotion Centre of Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI) and the Benin Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework to promote and facilitate investment between the two countries.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, sets out a collaboration structure built around several strategic pillars. These include the exchange of information and experiences related to economic and industrial development, the business environment, and investment opportunities, as well as the identification and matchmaking of business and technical partners. The framework also provides for the facilitation of investment project implementation and the joint organization of economic and professional events.

“Through this agreement, the two institutions intend to strengthen the clarity of their investor support mechanisms, improve the quality of services offered to investors, and actively contribute to the momentum of regional economic integration,” APIEx stated.

Benin and Côte d’Ivoire are both experiencing strong economic growth within the West African Economic and Monetary Union, estimated at 7.5% and 6.6% respectively in December 2025, according to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). Both countries have also recorded solid performances in terms of the business climate within the Union. In November 2025, Côte d’Ivoire posted a score of 101.5, while Benin recorded 99.8, compared to a reference average set at 100.

This positive trend is part of a broader context of reforms undertaken by the respective governments to improve the business environment and stimulate investment. In Côte d’Ivoire, these reforms include the adoption of a new Investment Code, the establishment of one-stop shops for businesses, the simplification of administrative procedures, and the launch of the Business Climate Improvement Support Program (PACA-CI). Benin, for its part, has implemented reforms aimed at simplifying business creation, digitalizing administrative procedures, and adopting legislation on special economic zones, as well as on the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Through this partnership, Côte d’Ivoire and Benin reaffirm their shared ambition to enhance investment attractiveness and deepen economic cooperation at the regional level.