SEOUL, June 2 — In a landmark interview on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, Benin’s Foreign Minister Corinne Amori Brunet outlined the West African nation’s strategic advantages for South Korean businesses seeking to expand in Africa.
The minister emphasized Benin’s role as a gateway to the broader West African market, noting that its political stability, investor-friendly policies, and strategic location make it an ideal hub for trade and industrial growth. «While Benin may seem like a small market in isolation, its positioning within the region transforms it into more than just a single market,» she stated.
As a member of both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Benin serves as a critical maritime and logistics corridor for the region. Minister Brunet highlighted the country’s modern infrastructure, including the upgraded Port of Cotonou—now equipped for smart logistics and digital customs processing—as well as the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone, a key industrial hub.
The minister also underscored Benin’s digital transformation, including the digitization of administrative procedures, as part of broader reforms under President Romuald Wadagni’s administration. «Our focus is not on discovering critical minerals but on fostering trade and attracting investors who can leverage the regional market,» she explained.
strengthening ties with south korea
Minister Brunet expressed optimism about deepening cooperation with South Korea in investment, industrial development, and cultural exchanges, citing shared experiences in rapid national transformation. «South Korea achieved remarkable progress in less than a generation through discipline, reforms, and development. We are following a similar path in Benin,» she noted.
She also highlighted Benin’s cultural heritage, referencing the 2021 return of 26 looted artefacts from France and proposing a traveling exhibition in Seoul to showcase Beninese art and history. «Our shared history with Korea underscores the potential for collaboration beyond economics,» she added.
The Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was hailed by Brunet as a pivotal moment following the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, marking the transition from promises to actionable cooperation. She concluded by reaffirming Benin’s commitment to becoming a preferred destination for South Korean investors.
