The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a disbursement of $143 million (approximately 82.52 billion CFA francs) to Benin as part of its ongoing support under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), Extended Credit Facility (ECF), and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
The IMF praised Benin’s economic transformation under President Patrice Talon, noting impressive growth of 7.5% in 2024—driven by tech sector expansion and value-added exports. The government’s flagship reform agenda, the Government Action Program (PAG), continues to guide modernization, infrastructure upgrades, and inclusive growth.
Benin also met the WAEMU fiscal deficit target of 3% of GDP a year ahead of schedule, thanks to disciplined fiscal policies and strong revenue mobilization.
Economy and Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, seen as the architect of these reforms, led Benin to a successful $500 million Eurobond issuance in January 2025—the first in Africa this year.
The bond, 7x oversubscribed, signals strong investor confidence. A complementary €500 million loan with Deutsche Bank, backed partly by the World Bank, will fund high-impact social projects in health, education, and infrastructure.
The IMF’s latest support aims to sustain ongoing reforms and promote long-term resilience and sustainable development in Benin.
© WAVN
