Qatar World Summit: Véronique Tognifodé highlights Benin’s social governance
The Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance, Véronique Tognifodé, represented Benin from 4 to 6 November 2025 in Doha (Qatar) at the 2nd World Summit on Social Development, organized under the aegis of the United Nations.
During a plenary session on 5 November, she outlined the main reforms undertaken by the Beninese government in three areas: social justice, inclusion, and the fight against inequalities.
The minister notably presented the productive social safety net programme « Gbessoké », aimed at vulnerable households, as well as the « Assurance pour le renforcement du capital humain (ARCH) » scheme which provides free access to primary health care for the most disadvantaged.
She also mentioned initiatives to promote women’s economic empowerment, such as the microcredit programme « Alafia », the promotion of female leadership, and keeping girls in school.
She stressed that, under the impetus of President Patrice Talon, Benin no longer views social development merely as an ideal, but as « a lived reality ». Emphasizing the importance of making inclusion not an option but a pillar of public action, Véronique Tognifodé said that reducing social gaps and ensuring equitable access to services are now at the heart of national priorities.
This presence at the international summit is part of Benin’s strategy to showcase good social practices on a global scale. It also helps strengthen international partnerships and to exchange views on the shared challenges of social protection, gender equity and inclusion.
For domestic stakeholders, this intervention is an opportunity to promote Benin’s social agenda and to situate its measures within an international dynamic.
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