E-Government Development in Benin

From 2016 to 2020, the primary authority in the ICT sector was the Ministry of Digital Economy and Communication. According to Decree No. 2016-420, it was responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the government’s policies on the digital economy, communication, and postal services in accordance with national laws and international agreements. It oversaw the promotion of ICT development, e-administration, digital archives, and interconnectivity of local administrations, while also supporting entrepreneurship, research, and digital education. The ministry facilitated public access to information, promoted press freedom, regulated telecommunications, and fostered collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive digital transformation and innovation in the country.

In 2021, it was replaced by the Ministry of Digital Technologies and Digitalization. Unlike its predecessor, this ministry is exclusively focused on digitalization, including the digital transformation of public administration, the promotion of e-services, the development of digital strategies, IT infrastructure, and innovation. It does not handle matters related to telecommunications, media, or communication, which were likely transferred to another government entity.

One of these regulatory bodies operates under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Digital Affairs. According to Decree No. 2022-324, the Agency for Information Systems and Digital Technology (Agence des Systèmes d’Information et du Numérique, ASIN) is responsible for the operational implementation of digital sector projects in Benin, including the planning, execution, and support of sectoral ministries in the development of digital infrastructure, service platforms, and secure information systems as well as the implementation of the SmartGouv project. ASIN was established through the merger of the 4 government agencies that formed the institutional framework for the operationalization of projects in the digital sector since 2016, namely Agency for Digital Development (ADN), Information Services and Systems Agency (ASSI), National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI)  and Benin Agency of the Universal Service of Electronic Communications and the Post Office (ABSU-CEP). ASIN also oversees cybersecurity measures across both the public and private sectors, ensuring the secure hosting, access, and management of critical state data. Additionally, it leads cross-administrative digital projects, fosters technological innovation, supports national digital development, and contributes to legal and regulatory frameworks governing the digital sector.

Furthermore, there is also an independent administrative authority, the Personal Data Protection Authority (Autorité de Protection des Données à caractère Personnel, APDP), which is responsible for ensuring compliance with data protection laws and safeguarding privacy rights in Benin. Recognized under Law No. 2017-20, APDP operates with legal personality and full administrative, financial, and managerial autonomy, carrying out its public service mission without any interference from political or administrative authorities.

Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Law

Law No. 2017-20 on the Digital Code of the Republic of Benin (as amended by Law No. 2020-35) 

Book Six: Cybercrime and Cybersecurity establishes the legal framework for combating cybercrime and ensuring cybersecurity in Benin. It defines institutional structures, the responsibilities of internet actors, and regulations on cryptology. This section also addresses cyber offenses, including attacks on information systems, misuse of personal data, intellectual property violations, online fraud, abusive content, and internet-based crimes. Additionally, it outlines investigation procedures, network security measures, and the roles of key institutions, such as the National Agency for Information Systems Security and the Central Office for Cybercrime Suppression.

Law No. 2024-05 authorizing the ratification of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection

The law sets out regulations for electronic transactions, data protection, and cybersecurity. It establishes rules for e-commerce, electronic contracts, and the security of digital transactions, ensuring transparency and trust in online exchanges. Regarding personal data, the law defines protection mechanisms, institutional oversight, processing conditions, individual rights, and the obligations of data controllers. To strengthen cybersecurity, it introduces preventive measures, enforcement provisions, and penalties for cyber-related offenses while outlining the responsibilities of key regulatory bodies.

Law No. 2024-06, authorizes Benin’s accession to the Convention on Cybercrime (adopted in Budapest, Hungary in 2001), as well as its Additional Protocols on racist and xenophobic acts committed via computer systems (Strasbourg, France, 2003) and enhancing cooperation and disclosure of electronic evidence (Strasbourg, France, 2022).

Data Privacy Law

Law No. 2009-09 on the Protection of Personal Data in the Republic of Benin

This law governs the processing of personal data, whether stored digitally or manually. It sets out rules for data processing, individuals’ rights over their personal information, and the responsibilities of data controllers. It also establishes a commission to oversee data protection and compliance and defines penalties for violations to ensure strong safeguards for personal data.

Law No. 2017-20 on the Digital Code of the Republic of Benin (as amended by Law No. 2020-35)

Book I, Title I, Chapter IV defines the general provisions regarding the collection, processing, and retention of users’ personal data, including data deletion or anonymization, exceptions to these rules, data usage for billing and service commercialization, location tracking, stored data types, user identification, terminal theft, and caller identification.

Further, Book V, Title II outlines the state’s core principles on personal data protection, including data exchange conditions, regulations for special categories of personal data, individuals’ rights, and applicable sanctions and administrative measures. Title III establishes the Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP), responsible for ensuring compliance with these provisions. Its status and responsibilities are also outlined in Decree No. 2018-529.

E-Government Standards

Regulations on E-Government Standards have not yet been established. However, under the Government Action Program (PAG) 2021-2026, one of the key priorities is the Consolidation of Good Governance, which emphasizes civil service reform, decentralization, and diplomacy. Efforts in the civil service focus on expanding the digitization of public services, strengthening anti-corruption measures, and improving the organization and compensation of workers in both the public and private sectors. In decentralization, reforms aim to enhance local governance, establish a municipal investment fund, and promote intermunicipal cooperation to improve the management of local issues. In diplomacy, the strategy seeks to strengthen regional diplomatic hubs and enhance free trade cooperation with neighboring countries.

E-Government Interoperability Framework

Decree No. 2020-209 establishes the National Interoperability Platform “XRoad BJ” and sets out the rules for its management and use.

It defines the framework for interoperability, outlining key principles, scope, and conditions for data exchange across public administration. The decree also details the organizational structure, including the National Interoperability Committee, its roles, composition, and responsibilities, as well as the coordination body overseeing implementation.

It likewise regulates the technical management of databases, procedures for discontinuing database operations, and the handling of personal data, ensuring a secure and efficient digital ecosystem for government services.

Electronic Signature Law

Law No. 2017-20 on the Digital Code of the Republic of Benin (as amended by Law No. 2020-35)

Book II, Title III recognizes the legal validity of electronic signatures in transactions and legal documents, ensuring they reliably identify the signer and confirm their consent. It outlines the requirements for qualified electronic signatures, which must be created using secure signature generation devices and verified with qualified certificates. The text also details the conditions for acceptance, certification standards, validation processes, and long-term preservation of electronic signatures, ensuring their security and authenticity in digital interactions.

AI Regulations

Regulations in the field of artificial intelligence have not yet been established, but Benin has adopted the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (2023-2027). This strategy outlines a progressive and incremental approach to AI development through three key priorities: organizing and strengthening the existing ecosystem, expanding support for AI innovation, and leveraging local expertise and knowledge to enhance national capabilities.

The first major initiatives in the digitalization of public administration in Benin were funded by the World Bank. In 2010, the eBenin project was launched (completed in 2014), followed by the eLearning Benin Project in 2015.

In 2016, as part of the Government Action Program (PGA) for 2016-2021, the Smart Gouv project was introduced. At the initial stage, it was operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Communication, which was replaced by the Ministry of Digital Technologies and Digitalization in 2021, and was implemented by the Agency for Information Services and Systems (ASSI). That same year, the Digital Sector Policy (2016-2021) was adopted.

At this stage, Smart Gouv focuses on two main objectives: enhancing the efficiency and transparency of public administration by structuring government services around citizens’ needs, and promoting good governance and combating corruption. The project includes several key initiatives:

• Strengthening central governance structures (PRSCG)
• Implementing a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
• Creating a National Interoperability Platform (PNI)
• Deploying a National e-Services Platform (eServices)
• Establishing a platform for archiving and digitizing administrative documents

According to a December 2020 report, out of 9,039 billion CFA francs (~USD 15.37 bln) spent on PGA, 579 bln (~USD 984.3 mln) was allocated to digital development, with 67 billion (~USD 113.9 mln) specifically invested in Smart Gouv. As a result, public services became more accessible, and the security of personal data was significantly improved.

In 2022, the Government Action Program for 2021-2026 was launched, marking the beginning of Smart Gouv’s second phase. The second phase of Benin’s digital transformation project, valued at 74 billion CFA francs (~ USD 125.8 mln), with 2 bln (~USD 3.4 mln) from PPP, 41 billion (~USD 69.7 mln) from BN, and 31 billion (~USD 52.7 mln) from loans., aims to expand e-Government services and fully digitize public administration. Led by the Ministry of Digital Service and Digitalization, with execution by ASIN, it runs from 2022 to 2026 and focuses on modernizing IT infrastructure, interconnecting 187 public administration sites, strengthening cybersecurity, and improving service delivery for citizens and businesses.

The project will ensure Benin retains its No. 1 ranking in the UEMOA EGDI index, drive the full digital transformation of administration, and enhance public-private sector collaboration. Key initiatives include the construction of the National Data Center (DCN) in Abomey-Calavi, deployment of a National Interoperability Platform (Digital Bus) for secure data exchange, and establishment of a National Digitization Center. Additionally, it will modernize administrative IT networks, provide training for government employees, and implement digital platforms such as GEC, GED, and SAE to streamline workflows.

The project also involves launching a Public Key Infrastructure (ICP), redesigning the Public Contracts Portal, and expanding the National Service Portal with new e-Services, including pension declarations, business credit registry, nationality certificates, and building permits. With enhanced state information security and an integrated digital ecosystem, Benin aims to achieve a fully digitized, efficient, and accessible government by 2026.

In Benin, the National Agency for the Identification of Persons (Agence Nationale d’Identification des Personnes, ANIP) is responsible for issuing and managing identity documents. Its services are available online through the official website. 

Source: ANIP

The main identification documents include the NPI/FID Certificate, a secure document that serves as proof of registration in the National Register of Physical Persons (RNPP) and contains the individual’s Personal Identification Number (NPI). This certificate confirms a person’s registration but does not serve as an identification document on its own.

A separate key document is the Personal Identification Certificate (CIP), an official identification document issued by ANIP that certifies a citizen’s identity and registration in the RNPP. It replaces the Certificate of Possession of State and the Residence Certificate in the process of obtaining a National Identity Card (CNIB) or passport. While the CIP is not a travel document, it allows free movement within Benin and serves as proof of identity for official transactions and police checks.

The CIP is issued in card format, displaying the holder’s photo, Personal Identification Number (NPI), and two QR codes for authentication. It is valid for two years and costs 1,000 CFA francs (~ 1.70 USD).

The CIP is legally established under Law No. 2017-08 of June 19, 2017, which governs the identification of individuals in Benin. Its implementation is further detailed in Decree No. 2020-099 of February 26, 2020, which defines the Personal Identification Number (NPI), and Decree No. 2020-100 of February 26, 2020, which regulates the National Register of Physical Persons (RNPP). These laws and decrees create a national identification framework, ensuring that identity verification is not only based on personal and biometric data but also supported by a digital system.

The CIP is a crucial tool that shifts the burden of identity verification from citizens to the administration. It ensures that government institutions can confirm a person’s identity without requiring repeated proof from the individual. Holders of the CIP can freely move across Benin and use it for any official process requiring identity verification, including police checks and administrative transactions.

As a more affordable alternative to the National Identity Card (CNIB) or passport, the CIP offers a practical solution for those who do not need international travel documents. Under Ministerial Order No. 2020-036/MISP of February 27, 2020, the CIP can also be used as a voter ID card.

Built around the Personal Identification Number (NPI), the CIP is tamper-proof and plays a key role in preventing identity fraud. The NPI is a unique national identifier generated using an advanced recognition algorithm. It remains permanently assigned to an individual throughout their lifetime, ensuring a secure and verifiable system for identity management.

The Biometric National Identity Card (CNIB) is an official identification document that certifies the holder’s identity based on their Personal Identification Number (NPI). Unlike the CIP, the CNIB is multifunctional and mandatory for all Beninese citizens aged 18 and above, though it can also be issued to minors upon request from a parent or guardian.

Issued exclusively by ANIP, the CNIB serves as the primary means of identification for Beninese citizens, supporting various administrative, legal, and financial processes. Its biometric features enhance security and help ensure authenticity and fraud prevention in national identity verification.

To access online services, users must create an account on the National Portal, requiring only their Personal Identification Number (NPI).

Source: Services publics BJ

The e-Services Portal of the General Directorate of Taxes of Benin provides taxpayers with access to various online services, including tax declaration submission, tax payments, and access to tax-related information. It enhances transparency and efficiency in tax procedures, allowing users to manage their tax obligations remotely.

Source: Le portail de téléservices de la Direction Générale des Impôts du Bénin

ICT in education 

Education is one of the key development priorities under PAG 2021-2026. The program includes the construction and equipping of classrooms, laboratories, and libraries at all educational levels, from kindergarten to university. Efforts are being made to strengthen the quality of primary education, establish modern technical and agricultural schools, and renovate and upgrade technical high schools. There is also a focus on promoting scientific disciplines, with plans to build six scientific high schools and two teacher training schools, as well as initiatives to support research and innovation through projects like PARI and Sèmè City.

Opportunities for online learning remain limited. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the E-learning platform was launched. On May 11, 2020, the E-learning platform was introduced to support students from universities, schools, and institutions with large enrollments, enabling them to continue their studies online during the pandemic. The platform facilitates virtual interaction between students and professors, ensuring continuity of education. To make it widely accessible, the government partnered with mobile operators MOOV BÉNIN and MTN BÉNIN, allowing students to use the platform for free through a zero-rating initiative. Alternative access points were set up for students without personal digital devices, including 24 digital classrooms, 14 postal multimedia centers, and 40 community digital access points across the country.

In addition, Benin operates the eResultats platform, which enables users to check their exam and national competition results online. To access their results, users must select the relevant exam or competition, enter their registration or table number, and retrieve their scores. The platform also provides past exam papers and answer keys, which can be downloaded by selecting the exam session and following the designated link.

Source: Eresultats.bj

Under PAG 2021-2026, healthcare initiatives focus on expanding and modernizing medical infrastructure, improving healthcare services, and strengthening human resources. Key projects include the construction and equipping of a general hospital and university center (CHU), a mother-and-child CHU, and a funeral facility in Togbin, as well as the establishment of a national hospital and university center for psychiatry in Allada. Efforts are also directed toward renovating and equipping healthcare facilities, enhancing technical support services for hospitals, and ensuring better emergency response through the acquisition of 200 ambulances and the development of an integrated health transport plan, including SAMU. Moreover, the program prioritizes strengthening the availability of healthcare professionals to improve service delivery across the country.

The Services Publics website provides a range of health-related services, including authorization for opening and operating pharmaceutical establishments, as well as permits for the import, possession, and sale of health products other than medicines. Users can request approval for health products, authorization for clinical trials, and accreditation to practice as a corporate physician. The platform also offers appointment booking at CNHU-HKM, the ability to submit requests to the Supervisory Council of the Pharmaceutical Subsector, and access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination services. Additionally, a medical examination service for GDIZ personnel is available.

The CNHU-HKM appointment booking service allows individuals to schedule consultations and medical care at the Centre National Hospitalier Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga. The waiting time depends on the type of consultation or medical examination, and fees vary based on the service and whether the patient has medical coverage. This service is available to all citizens and is managed by the Ministry of Health. The hospital is located in Cadjèhoun, near Camp Ghezo and the Presidential Palace, with a 24/7 medical team. The administrative office operates Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Medical and paramedical staff work in shifts, with regular hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and night shifts from 4:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

The PAG 2021-2026 includes key reforms to modernize the justice system and media sector. One major initiative involves revising the organic law of the High Court of Justice to clarify its role alongside the Court for the Elimination of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET).

Another reform elevates courts of conciliation to courts of first instance, expanding their jurisdiction to civil status, minor offenses, and land disputes following the adoption of the Land and Domanial Code. These courts, led by paralegals, will also provide legal assistance to vulnerable groups. This requires amendments to laws on judicial organization, land administration, civil and commercial law, and criminal procedure.

To operationalize the Tribunal of Accounts, supplementary legal texts will define the special status of its magistrates and establish procedures for hearings before the Tribunal and its regional branches.

In the media sector, the government plans to revise the Information Code in collaboration with media organizations and the HAAC, aiming to strengthen press freedom and improve journalists’ working conditions. The professionalization of the media will be supported through local content promotion, new broadcasting licenses, and expanded training programs.

On April 21, 2022, Ministers Aurélie Adam Soule Zoumarou and Sévérin Quenum launched the e-Justice project workshop, organized by ASSI. The initiative aims to create a digital system for managing criminal and civil procedures, ensuring interconnectivity between courts, process digitization, and infrastructure modernization. The ministers emphasized stakeholder commitment and provided guidance for project implementation. However, such a digital system has not yet been established.

In Benin, the XROAD BJ platform functions as the Data Exchange Layer, enabling secure and efficient interoperability between government information systems. A key component supporting this interoperability is the Catalogue of Interoperability Solutions (CatIS), which serves as a structured repository of government institutions, information systems, and public services. It acts as a coordination and development support tool for managing IT assets, maintaining interoperability, and facilitating the integration of government databases, data services, and reusable digital assets. CatIS allows for the registration and approval of information systems, public services, and connections to XROAD BJ, as well as the administration of shared semantic assets such as XML classifications, dictionaries, and ontologies. The platform is overseen by ASIN, which serves as both the coordinating and supervisory body. Other stakeholders include data and system owners, public service providers, and CatIS administrators.

Another key component of XROAD BJ is the Secure Data Exchange Layer (La couche sécurisée d’échange de données, couche SED), which provides the technical infrastructure for secure data exchange between participants. It ensures legal proof and authenticity of transactions and messages exchanged within the system.

The SED layer is based on Estonia’s UXP (Unified eXchange Platform) technology, developed by Cybernetica. UXP integrates data from organizations, information systems, and databases, offering essential components for interoperability and secure, standardized data exchange. It allows service providers to retain control over their systems and data while operating within a highly scalable and decentralized data-sharing network.

The data exchange process guarantees confidentiality by encrypting peer-to-peer communication, eliminating the need for a central intermediary. It ensures data integrity through logging, timestamping, and digital signatures, making transactions traceable and verifiable. Availability is maintained through a distributed architecture that prevents bottlenecks and enables seamless direct exchanges between members.

GAP 2021-2026 includes initiatives focused on continuing to improve the environment and balanced territorial development as well as strengthening environmental protection and resilience to climate change, but without widespread use of ICT and the internet.

The integration of ICT in the environmental sector remains limited, with its only application being the online services of the Beninese Agency for the Environment (Agence Béninoise pour l’Environnement) for issuing various permits and certificates. 

e-Procurement

The establishment of an e-Procurement solution is part of the perspectives 2021-2026 under the Smart Gouv project. As part of efforts to modernize public procurement, the government plans to leverage digital tools to simplify procedures, enhance transparency, and improve accessibility for both bidders and contracting authorities. Following legislative revisions, a digital procurement system will be introduced to optimize processes and provide greater efficiency and accountability. Beyond its technological benefits, the digitalization of procurement is expected to improve governance and actively contribute to anti-corruption efforts in public procurement.

To implement the e-Procurement system, the government engaged Cabinet EVOLVE as a technical consultant, which completed an assessment with key stakeholders. The firm mapped procurement processes, identified areas for improvement, and presented a preliminary report at a workshop in April 2020, organized by ARMP, DNCMP, and ASIN. Stakeholders provided recommendations, which were incorporated into the final version of the report, currently undergoing quality control and validation at a follow-up workshop in July 2020. During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed previous recommendations, conducted an in-depth assessment of existing procurement processes, identified weaknesses, and validated proposed optimizations. The finalized report will serve as a foundation for improving procurement procedures, ensuring greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public procurement.

Companies and Businesses Registration System

Entrepreneurs in Benin can now register and manage their businesses entirely online via the MonEntreprise.bj platform, eliminating the need for physical visits to the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx). With an internet connection on a computer or Android device, users can complete business registration and administrative formalities remotely.

The platform eliminates long queues, paperwork, and delays, allowing businesses to obtain key documents such as the Commercial Registry Certificate (RCCM), Tax Identification Certificate (IFU), legal notices, and import/export licenses. With support from the Netherlands and technical assistance from UNCTAD, it also integrates mobile payment solutions through the Beninese fintech KKiapay.

When all required documents are validated, business registration can be completed in one hour instead of three during APIEx working hours. To further facilitate access, APIEx introduced self-service kiosks, which saw strong demand immediately after launch. 

Source: MonEntreprise.bj

Launched in 2018, the Guichet Unique for Foreign Trade (Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur, GUCE) is a centralized digital platform aimed at progressively consolidating all foreign trade-related information and services into a single transactional portal. It provides clear guidance and support to individuals and businesses engaging in import and export operations with Benin, enabling them to complete trade procedures online efficiently.

Eventually, all interactions with government agencies involved in foreign trade will be conducted through GUCE, ensuring that once a document is submitted, it becomes instantly accessible to all relevant authorities. This eliminates repetitive submissions, multiple document requests, and the need for physical visits, streamlining trade procedures for operators. Initially, pre-clearance operations, including import verification programs, licenses, and certificates issued by technical ministries, will be processed via GUCE. The next phase will integrate customs clearance operations through an interface between GUCE and Benin’s customs system, SYDONIA WORLD, followed by the implementation of electronic payment solutions for all transaction-related fees.

According to the 2023 report by the African Center for Equitable Development (Centre Africain pour le Développement Équitable, ACED), 50 digital agricultural solutions (SNA) are currently deployed in Benin, divided into four overlapping categories.

The first category, comprising 56% of all SNAs, includes solutions focused on agricultural advisory, training, and information services for farmers. These consist of crop management platforms (e.g., App Céréale, Agricef, Crop Management, Benin Riz), weather forecasting services (e.g., Agrimétéo), product traceability solutions (e.g., Agrotrace, Cajou App), and market information systems (SIM) such as SIM ACMA and AGS Sarl. These systems help farmers optimize sales by providing real-time market prices, preventing product undervaluation. Some market information systems (e.g., Our Voice, Access Agriculture, Nanan, Serveur Vocal Interactif, Benin Riz) also offer agricultural advice in local languages to encourage farmers to adopt digital tools. The dominance of this category in Benin’s e-agriculture landscape reflects a broader trend across Africa, highlighting the critical role of knowledge access in innovation and social well-being.

The second category, 16% of SNAs, focuses on e-commerce for agricultural and agri-food products, addressing a major challenge for farmers: efficient product distribution. Platforms such as Jinukun, Aliment Benin, and Agriyara aim to strengthen food supply chains by facilitating long-term professional relationships between producers and buyers, reducing intermediary costs and ensuring fairer prices for farmers.

The third category, 14% of SNAs, comprises platforms that connect different actors in the agricultural sector (e.g., farmers, processors, aggregators, and agricultural advisors) by promoting their services and identifying potential clients. One notable example is Trotro Civa, a tractor rental service accessible via the USSD code 61640#, allowing farmers to rent tractors from private operators via mobile phones. The platform displays available tractors in the farmer’s region and facilitates online payments via mobile money or cash on delivery. Developed by GIZ, this solution is inspired by Hello Tractor, a service successfully deployed in Nigeria since 2011.

The fourth category, 32% of SNAs, includes various digital services such as crop monitoring (e.g., Précis-Agri, Drone4AG, Drone Analyst, Drone Épandeur), farm mapping (e.g., Agrimap, Agrosfer Mapping), and mobile payment solutions (e.g., PAL, Agropay). However, no digital or automated agro-processing solutions have been developed in Benin, likely due to the high costs of implementation and adoption by farmers and agribusinesses.

More than half (54%) of SNAs are actively available on the market, a rate attributed to financial support from international organizations. In fact, 76% of these solutions were developed with external funding, a trend also observed in other African countries. International donors like GIZ and the World Bank play a key role not only in building infrastructure but also in supporting innovators in turning their projects into reality. Most SNAs are concentrated in the southern regions of Benin, where solution providers and agricultural activities are more densely located.

Regarding solution providers, 76% of SNAs are led by private companies, followed by NGOs (17%) and public-sector actors (7%), including development and cooperation agencies (e.g., GIZ) and the National Chamber of Agriculture. Among private companies, all are founded by young entrepreneurs, with an average age of 33. This trend is consistent with findings in Zambia, where youth participation in e-agriculture has increased due to the spread of digital technologies. Furthermore, all private-sector founders hold university degrees, mainly in agriculture and digital technologies.

Artificial intelligence is currently minimally utilized in Benin. To address this, the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (SNIAM) 2023-2027 was developed by the Ministry of Digital Technologies and Digitalization and adopted by the Council of Ministers on January 18, 2023. The strategy aims to integrate AI solutions into key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, urban planning, and tourism, while fostering a deeper understanding of AI applications suited to the Beninese context.

SNIAM envisions Benin as a country that effectively harnesses big data and AI technologies by 2027, with a focus on skill development and technological innovation. The strategy is structured into four main programs, implemented over three phases within five years, encompassing 123 targeted actions that impact both public and private sectors.

In the short term, the focus is on deploying identified AI use cases, addressing associated challenges, and strengthening human capacity in AI and big data management. In the medium term, efforts will focus on resolving key challenges, implementing structured data management, ensuring controlled AI deployment until a regulatory framework is in place, and establishing ethical and accountability standards for AI. Additionally, research institutions, startups, and innovation hubs such as IMSP, IFRI, and Sèmè City will receive support to develop AI-related expertise.

In the long term, the strategy seeks to ensure effective governance and widespread adoption of AI, led by Beninese enterprises. The objective is to enhance productivity and quality across industries, facilitate technology and knowledge transfer between research institutions and the private sector, and establish Benin as a recognized leader in AI within the region.

Many areas, particularly in rural regions, lack the necessary infrastructure and reliable electricity supply, making it difficult for residents to fully benefit from digital services.

Despite the expansion of e-government initiatives, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of the digital services available to them, limiting their adoption and impact.

Online voting has not been introduced, meaning that electoral processes continue to rely entirely on traditional, in-person methods.

Implementing outreach campaigns and educational programs to inform citizens about available digital public services, their benefits, and how to access them.

Knowledge Sharing Opportunities

Digital identity

Benin’s digital identity system, managed by the National Agency for the Identification of Persons (ANIP), effectively integrates three core documents—the NPI/FID Certificate, the Personal Identification Certificate (CIP), and the Biometric National Identity Card (CNIB)—to streamline identity verification. The NPI/FID Certificate establishes initial registration in the National Register of Physical Persons (RNPP) by assigning a unique Personal Identification Number (NPI). The CIP, a secure and affordable identity card featuring biometric data, the holder’s NPI, and QR codes, enables seamless internal mobility and simplifies administrative processes. The CNIB, mandatory for all adults, further enhances security through advanced biometric authentication. Collectively, these documents significantly reduce identity fraud, simplify administrative interactions, and shift the responsibility for verifying identities from individuals to government institutions.

Digital Agriculture

Digitalization in Benin’s agricultural sector has effectively addressed several critical challenges, notably enhancing farmers’ access to information, market efficiency, and agricultural productivity. According to a 2023 report by the African Center for Equitable Development (ACED), Benin has deployed 50 digital agricultural solutions (SNAs), primarily focused on advisory, training, and market information services, which account for 56% of all solutions. These platforms enable farmers to make informed decisions, optimize crop management, and obtain fairer market prices through improved access to real-time market data. E-commerce solutions, representing 16% of SNAs, have significantly strengthened food supply chains by connecting farmers directly to buyers, thus reducing intermediaries and promoting fair pricing. Another 14% of SNAs facilitate connections among agricultural stakeholders, exemplified by mobile-based tractor rental services that improve mechanization access for farmers. Despite these successes, the development of automated digital agro-processing solutions remains limited due to high costs. However, strong financial backing from international organizations such as GIZ and the World Bank has sustained the growth and adoption of these digital solutions, which are predominantly managed by young, university-educated entrepreneurs and concentrated mainly in the southern regions of Benin.

e-Justice infrastructure – Rwanda case

Benin currently lacks a developed e-justice infrastructure; in contrast, Rwanda serves as a notable example of successful implementation through its Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), launched in December 2015 and operational since January 2016. The IECMS has automated judicial case processing, significantly enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility within Rwanda’s judicial system. This platform streamlines court procedures, reducing processing times and improving accountability, and is recognized as a leading model of digital justice in Africa.

e-Learning Platform 

Morocco’s TelmidTICE

Morocco has effectively utilized digital technology to enhance educational access through the TelmidTICE platform, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, and Scientific Research. This bilingual (Arabic and French) platform provides students with interactive courses, instructional videos, and practice exercises, significantly supporting distance education. Teachers can also leverage the platform’s resources to facilitate online instruction. TelmidTICE proved particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling uninterrupted learning despite school closures, thus demonstrating Morocco’s capability to effectively respond to educational disruptions through digital solutions.

One-stop shop portal

Kenya’s eCitizen

The eCitizen platform was launched in 2014. The eVisa and eBusiness modules allow Kenyans to access public services such as driving licence renewal, passport applications, business registration, etc (a total of 48 services). Users can check the status of their applications via SMS or email. Since January 2023, it also facilitates payments for services (such as applying for national IDs, passports, driving licences, visas, business permits, filing of taxes, etc) through banking apps and mobile money. A unified authentication is utilised to access the services on the platform.

Author:

Pavel Bianki, researcher for the Hub