Electricity in Benin: EU partnership puts network expansion back in focus

Beninese government officials and a European Union delegation met in Cotonou on October 21, 2026, to review their cooperation and identify new areas of work. Electricity featured prominently, as the National Energy Pact aims for universal access by 2030 and 42.6% of the population was connected at the end of 2024. Benin has also secured $65 million from BADEA to connect more than 61,000 households in 127 localities. The discussions also covered regional development, the Port of Cotonou, small businesses, water and sanitation, vocational training, and digital development.