Benin's development challenges.
Nine months after the business tycoon Patrice Talon became president of Benin, his government is pursuing a development programme costing 9 trillion CFA francs (14.4 billion dollars). Much of this five-year “Benin Revealed” programme announced last month must be funded through commercial investment. Talon’s government faces significant economic challenges as fiscal reforms in Nigeria have weakened Cotonou’s position as a regional trade gateway.
Popular pressure will grow on parliamentarians to declare their assets, following the president’s lead in November.
Donor demanded anti-corruption measures will face resistance from entrenched business and political interests.
The government will press Nigeria for a phased introduction of trade policy changes.
Stalling government reform could prompt deeper media inquiries into Talon’s business interests.
