At its second ordinary session held on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Cotonou, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin examined and voted on its draft budget for 2027. The total envelope stands at 6.6 billion FCFA, with 2.1 billion allocated to investments. The remaining funds will cover operational costs, but the government’s oversight body is pushing for a leaner operating budget to free up more resources for investment.

Government demands transparency and better collection

The supervising ministry has called for transparent execution of the 2.1 billion FCFA investment budget, emphasizing the need to reduce operating expenses in favor of investment. Alimatou Shadiya Assouman, Minister of Interior Trade and Formalization of the Economy, also urged the Chamber to improve the collection of membership dues in coordination with the Directorate General of Taxes.

Expected outcomes: formalization and jobs

The government expects measurable results in formalizing businesses and creating jobs. According to the roadmap presented to the consular elected officials, CCI actions should prioritize small traders, young entrepreneurs, and women processors. This focus reflects a broader strategy to integrate informal actors into the formal economy and stimulate local employment.

Reaching beyond economic hubs

The territorial dimension is another key requirement. The Chamber is expected to extend its interventions across all 77 communes of Benin, not just the main economic centers. This decentralization aims to bring CCI services closer to businesses and local economic players, ensuring that the benefits of the budget are felt nationwide.

CCI president commits to modernization

Arnauld Akakpo, President of CCI Benin, assured that the institution will leverage its territorial network and expertise to support the formalization and modernization of domestic trade. He described the Chamber as a bridge between public policies and the daily needs of businesses, reinforcing its role as a facilitator of economic development.

A budget with high expectations

The draft budget was examined and approved by the Consular Assembly during the second ordinary session. The 2027 program allocates 6.6 billion FCFA, with 2.1 billion directed toward investments and an expected coverage of all 77 communes. While the figures are set, the challenge now lies in execution—turning these allocations into concrete improvements for Benin’s entrepreneurs and local economies.