AGP Executive Report

Benin’s anti-counterfeit push: Lawmakers in Benin unanimously adopted tougher reforms to curb fake banknotes, raising penalties for anyone refusing legal tender or charging excessive exchange fees, and setting prison terms up to 10–20 years for counterfeiting and falsification, aiming to speed daily transactions and protect confidence in the CFA franc. Digital transformation leadership: Benin appointed Mahuna Akplogan as minister of digital transformation and innovation in President Romuald Wadagni’s first government, replacing Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou, with a background in computer science and AI research. New government priorities: Benin’s first cabinet under Wadagni outlined a seven-year action agenda, including modernising payroll systems, improving pension coordination, and boosting agriculture with water control plus AI decision support using geospatial and meteorological data. Infrastructure and urban upgrades: In Cotonou, Chinese contractor PowerChina completed rehabilitation of the Congress Palace esplanade in under three months, with local firms participating and the renovated site hosting Wadagni’s May 24 inauguration. Agro and climate research link: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is coordinating a four-year intra-Africa agroforestry mobility project that includes Benin’s National University of Agriculture, targeting climate-change mitigation through shared research, training, and curriculum harmonisation.

Counterfeit Crackdown: Benin lawmakers have passed tougher reforms to curb fake banknotes, raising penalties for refusing legal tender and for counterfeiting, with prison terms up to 10–20 years and heavy fines for offenders. Digital Transformation & Trade: Benin’s regional momentum echoes Ghana’s e-Visa launch, which removes visa fees for African passport holders and pushes a more accessible entry model for tourism, aviation and business under AfCFTA. New Government Priorities: Benin’s first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni set a seven-year implementation agenda, including payroll and pension modernization, plus agriculture support using geospatial and AI decision tools. Tech Leadership: Benin appoints AI expert Mahuna Akplogan as minister of digital transformation and innovation, signaling a push for stronger innovation policy and capacity. Regional Business & Mobility: The week also saw renewed focus on easier intra-Africa movement, with Congo announcing visa-free access for all Africans from Jan 2027, following similar steps by Benin and others. Energy & Industry Context: Across the region, energy reliability remains a key industrial issue, with reports highlighting how power constraints and fuel-price shifts affect business costs and operations.

Benin’s New Government Priorities: In Cotonou, the first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni set a seven-year agenda focused on public payroll modernization, pension payment integration, and stronger agricultural water control, with AI planned to support farmers using geospatial and meteorological data. Digital Transformation: Benin appointed AI expert Mahuna Akplogan as minister of digital transformation and innovation, replacing Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou. Regional Trade & Logistics Pressure: Importers in Nigeria say higher shipping and terminal charges are pushing cargo away from Nigerian ports toward Benin, citing lower clearance costs for 20ft and 40ft containers. Energy & Industry Link: A separate regional story highlights how decentralized renewable mini-grids are expanding access to power in West Africa, supporting industrial growth goals. Agribusiness Trade Flows: India’s soybean/soymeal price surge led traders to cancel export contracts and shift to soybean imports from African suppliers including Benin.

Soybean & Feed Trade: Indian traders cancelled about 25,000 tons of soymeal export contracts and booked roughly 80,000 tons of soybean imports from African suppliers after a sharp jump in domestic prices, with Nigeria and other non-GM producers (including Benin) benefiting as India’s import rules narrow sourcing. Digital Transformation: Benin appoints AI expert Mahuna Akplogan as minister of digital transformation and innovation, aiming to accelerate tech-led modernization. Agriculture Policy & Delivery: Benin’s new ministers outline a seven-year implementation push, including upgrades to payroll and pension systems, stronger water control for farming, and using AI with geospatial and meteorological data to guide farmers. EV & Local Engineering: Spiro acquires UK engineering firm Coexlion to build its first African R&D centre in Nairobi, strengthening design and manufacturing for electric motorcycles used commercially across Benin and other markets. Regional Integration & Mobility: Congo announces visa-free access for all Africans from Jan 1, 2027, joining Benin and other countries moving toward easier intra-African movement. Port Costs Pressure: Importers say higher shipping and terminal charges are pushing cargo away from Nigerian ports toward Benin, Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso, raising the stakes for West African logistics competitiveness.

Benin’s Digital Push: President Romuald Wadagni appoints AI expert Mahuna Akplogan as minister of digital transformation and innovation, signaling a new push for tech-led modernization. New Government Priorities: Wadagni’s first cabinet outlines a seven-year action program, including public payroll systems, pension modernization, and agriculture support using geospatial and AI decision tools. Regional Trade & Mobility: Congo announces visa-free access for all Africans from Jan 1, 2027, joining Benin’s earlier visa-free approach and reinforcing AfCFTA-style integration. Energy & Transport Context: Togo raises fuel prices amid higher global oil costs, a reminder of how regional energy shocks can quickly spill into West African industry and logistics. Cross-Border Logistics Pressure: Importers say Nigeria’s port charges and delays are pushing cargo toward Benin and other neighbors, with Benin cited as cheaper for container clearance. Industry Signals From Abroad: EBRD says Africa’s investment risks are often overstated and points to growing funding in clean energy and digital infrastructure, including new African shareholders like Benin.

Benin Government Delivery: Benin’s first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni set a seven-year implementation push, with priorities including payroll and pension modernization, public-service results-based management, and smarter agriculture using AI plus geospatial and meteorological data. Digital Transformation: Benin appoints AI expert Mahuna Akplogan as minister of digital transformation and innovation, signaling a tech-led push for services and decision-making. Regional Trade & Ports: Importers in Nigeria say they’re shifting cargo to Benin, Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso as shipping lines raise charges and terminal fees, making clearance costs in Benin far lower than at Apapa. Energy & Transport Costs: Nigeria’s gas-to-transport push highlights CNG conversion momentum in Benin City, while the wider region grapples with fuel-price pressure from global oil shocks. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped a three-week Gulf of Guinea readiness exercise with Benin among participating countries, targeting piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking. Mobility & Inclusion: Africa’s visa-free trend grows as Congo announces visa-free access for all Africans from 2027, adding to recent liberalization moves across the region.

Benin’s New Presidency: Romuald Wadagni was sworn in as Benin’s president after winning the April 12 election with 94.27% of the vote, pledging to turn economic growth into real welfare for citizens. Regional Trade & Ports: Importers say they’re shifting cargo from Nigerian ports to Benin, Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso as shipping lines raise tariffs and charges, while service delays and refund issues bite. Energy & Transport (Gas): Nigeria’s gas push got a boost with the commissioning of a CNG conversion centre in Benin City, framed as a way to cut transport costs and spur industrial growth. Business Climate (Governance): An IMF note highlights that countries like Benin are improving business conditions by cutting red tape and using digital tools, while energy and transport reforms remain key. Security & Aviation: Passengers at Benin Airport in Edo complain faulty baggage/body scanners force risky frisking. Education & Industry Skills: UNIPORT and UNIBEN won regional engineering olympiad spots, showing stronger engineering innovation pipelines.

Benin’s New Presidency: Romual Wadagni was sworn in as Benin’s president after winning the April 12 election with 94.27%, pledging to turn growth into everyday welfare. Workplace Safety Push: In Benin City, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and World Safety Organization (WSO) ran Safety Week training on emergency response, first aid, CPR and safety culture. Port & Trade Costs: Importers say they’re shifting cargo from Nigeria to Benin, Ghana and Togo as shipping lines and terminals raise charges—citing big cost gaps for 20ft/40ft containers. Energy & Transport: Nigeria’s CNG push got a boost with the commissioning of a CNG conversion centre in Benin City, framed as a way to cut transport costs and spur industrial growth. Security at Airports: Passengers at Benin Airport complained that faulty baggage/body scanners force risky physical searches. Regional Integration: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from Jan 2027, adding momentum to easier cross-border movement.

Education & Innovation: UNIPORT and UNIBEN just swept the South-South regional round of NCDMB’s Nigerian Engineering Olympiad, with UNIPORT’s PROTRONICS team pitching “KEYTRIC,” a smart power control concept aimed at cutting electricity waste and fire risks. Trade & Logistics Pressure: Importers say they’re shifting cargo away from Nigerian ports as shipping lines and terminals raise charges and delay refunds—citing big cost gaps versus Benin. Energy & Transport Push: Nigeria’s gas drive got a boost in Edo with the commissioning of a CNG conversion centre, framed as a way to lower transport costs and create jobs. Security & Accountability: Edo State Security Corps arrested three people in Benin City over an alleged plan to sell diverted water and a company truck. Regional Mobility: Benin’s new leadership moment is also feeding wider West African integration talk, as Nigeria and Benin leaders stress deeper cross-border business ties. Ongoing Watch: Benin Airport passengers complain scanners are faulty, forcing risky physical searches.

Edo Security Crackdown: Three people were arrested in Benin City by the Edo State Security Corps over an alleged plot to sell a truck and 150 bags of sachet water belonging to an Asaba-based water company, with the driver accused of diverting goods to Edo for sale before the suspects were handed to police. Aviation Friction: Airline operators pushed back on NCAA debt claims, saying regulatory services are paid in advance and that “outstanding” relates only to a 5% Ticket Sales Charge. Soy Trade Shock: Indian soymeal export contracts for May/June were cancelled for the first time since 2021 as domestic soybean prices jumped 41%, pushing traders to book imports from Africa. Digital Connectivity & Regulation: Uganda’s Starlink licensing debate is heating up over taxation and security, with regulators requiring a local ground presence and routing through national infrastructure. Benin Political Transition: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima attended the inauguration of Benin President Romuald Wadagni, stressing deeper Nigeria–Benin ties for trade and regional stability.

Benin Transition Watch: Romuald Wadagni was sworn in as Benin’s new president in Cotonou, after winning the April 12 election with 94.27%—and Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima attended as Tinubu’s representative, underscoring renewed focus on Nigeria–Benin Trade & Integration. Airport Friction: Passengers at Benin Airport in Edo complained that faulty baggage/body scanners are forcing physical searches, raising safety concerns. Maritime Readiness: Obangame Express (OE26) wrapped up a major maritime security drill in Cameroon, with Benin among participating countries, aimed at tackling piracy and sea crime. Banking Move: Fidelity Bank Plc appointed Jonathan Ososuakpor as a new non-executive director, effective May 22. Regional Mobility Push: The Republic of the Congo joined the growing list of African states moving toward visa-free travel for Africans, reflecting wider Pan-African Border Liberalisation momentum.

Benin Transition Watch: Romuald Wadagni was sworn in as Benin’s new president in Cotonou, pledging to turn economic growth into everyday welfare after winning the April 12 election with 94.27% of the vote. Nigeria–Benin Trade Push: Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the inauguration for Tinubu, stressing the “strategic” partnership—anchored on a 600km border, deep cultural ties, and commerce that already runs at about $2bn annually, with around five million Nigerians in Benin. Business Climate Benchmark: An IMF note flags that countries like Benin have cut red tape and used digital tools to make it easier to do business, while much of sub-Saharan Africa still lags on governance, regulation, and market openness. Workplace Safety Drive (Edo): ITF and WSO Nigeria intensified a Safety Week programme in Benin City, training staff on emergency response, first aid and CPR. Education Update: NABTEB extended registration for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination into technical colleges to May 31, with the exam now set for June 13.

Nigeria–Benin Diplomacy: Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Cotonou to represent President Tinubu at the inauguration of Benin’s new president, Romuald Wadagni, underscoring a “shared destiny” built on history, trade, and regional security. Cross-Border Business Push: Shettima also flagged a new drive to deepen Nigeria–Benin commerce, pointing to about $2bn in annual trade and roughly five million Nigerians in Benin who stand to benefit. Humanitarian Pressure in Edo: In Nigeria, an Edo IDP learning centre warned of overwhelming demand as more families flee attacks and violent invasions, with space and resources stretched thin. Governance & Regulation Spotlight: An IMF note says sub-Saharan Africa still lags on governance, business regulation, and market openness, while citing Benin as an example of cutting red tape with digital tools. Education Update: NABTEB extended registration for the 2026 National Common Entrance into technical colleges to May 31, with exams now set for June 13.

Benin Inauguration Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Cotonou to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Benin’s President-elect Romuald Wadagni, underscoring “one people” ties across a nearly 600km border and shared interests in trade and regional security. Border Health Assurance: As Ebola fears circulate, Nigeria’s Immigration Service says land borders are fully manned and monitored with digital surveillance, requiring proper documents including international health certificates. Maritime Push: Nigeria’s Federal Government has approved certification and compliance steps for five deep-sea port projects—Badagry, Olokola, Ibom, Bakassi and Bonny—aimed at cutting the country’s reported 70% cargo losses to Ghana, Togo and Benin. Security & Drugs: NDLEA Kano says it arrested 38 drug suspects in raids ahead of Eid-el-Kabir. Regional Business Links: Canada announced $30m+ new support for health, women-led enterprise, climate resilience and governance across West Africa, with Nigeria reaffirming investment partnership.

Benin Inauguration Diplomacy: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Cotonou to represent President Tinubu at Romuald Wadagni’s inauguration, with the swearing-in set for Sunday, May 24, and a Porto-Novo oath for Wadagni’s running mate Mariam Chabi Talata. Maritime Push: Nigeria’s ports authority says the country is moving to cut the loss of over 70% of cargo traffic to Ghana, Togo and Benin by advancing five deep seaport projects—Badagry, Olokola, Ibom, Bakassi and Bonny—through approved certification and compliance steps. Health & Borders: Nigeria’s immigration service insists land borders are “not porous,” citing manned posts and digital surveillance amid Ebola concerns. Security Operations: NDLEA Kano Strategic Command reports 38 drug suspects arrested in raids ahead of Eid-el-Kabir. Energy Transition: Nigeria targets 2,322 CNG stations by 2027 as 24 states are now active in the CNG conversion programme. Business & Investment: Canada announced $30m+ new support for health, women’s enterprise, climate resilience and digital resilience across West Africa.

Benin-Nigeria Diplomacy: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Cotonou to represent President Tinubu at Romuald Wadagni’s inauguration, underscoring the tight political and economic ties between the two neighbours. University Pressure: ASUU’s Benin Zone is threatening to shut down public universities over the Federal Government’s “selective” payment of academic allowances and failure to fully implement the 2025 agreement—raising the risk of another education shutdown. Power Metering Push: Nigeria’s metering drive added 241,590 meters in Jan–Feb 2026, but about 5.1 million customers (41%) still lack meters, keeping estimated billing complaints alive. Ports Modernisation: Nigeria’s ports chief Abubakar Dantsoho says Africa can’t grow with outdated infrastructure, while the government has cleared certification steps for five deep seaport projects to cut cargo losses to Benin, Ghana and Togo. CNG Expansion: Nigeria says 24 states are now active in CNG conversion, targeting 2,322 CNG stations by 2027.