Can a long-dormant economic partnership between the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Cuba finally deliver tangible results for West African businesses and households? That is the strategic question now on the table after a high-level diplomatic meeting in Cotonou between Cuba’s ambassador, Denisse Amaro Salabarría, and leaders of Benin’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Benin). The two sides made clear their shared intention to actively revive trade and economic exchanges, turning an old friendship into a working commercial axis.
A partnership rooted in shared history
The ties between Benin and Cuba stretch back decades, built on deep cultural convergence and a steady tradition of South-South solidarity. Institutionally, the current momentum builds on a framework agreement signed in 2002 between the two chambers of commerce. Now, with global economic conditions shifting, Cotonou and Havana want to modernise this bilateral channel and convert it into a concrete growth driver.
Where the opportunities lie
During the discussions, Cuban diplomats highlighted recent economic reforms on the Caribbean island, opening new doors for Beninese investors and entrepreneurs. Several priority sectors were identified for future partnerships:
- Agro-industry and food production
- Renewable energy
- Tourism and cultural engineering
- Biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry, where Cuba has world-recognised expertise
To move these ambitions from paper to practice, Beninese companies were invited to take part in the Havana International Fair (FIHAV), a major commercial crossroads for the Caribbean region.
Benin as a strategic gateway to West Africa
For its part, the CCI Benin delegation stressed the country’s geostrategic position as an essential logistics and commercial platform in the West African sub-region. Pointing to the ongoing modernisation of the Port of Cotonou, the Beninese side invited Cuban economic operators to use Benin as their entry point to West African markets.
What happens next
This meeting marks the starting point of a roadmap focused on regular follow-up of the commitments made, sealing the effective relaunch of a historic partnership that is now looking firmly to the future.
