Benin: Over 20 projects seek $2 to $3 billion in Cotonou

More than 20 Beninese projects representing financing needs of $2 to $3 billion are being presented to investors at the Benin Deal Room 2026, held from September 16 to 18. The event brings together project leaders, financial institutions, and investors around government-supported operations.

The portfolio includes sectors such as agro-industry, manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, and energy. Organizers describe these projects as sufficiently advanced to enter into financing and partnership discussions.

The platform aims to establish more than five memoranda of understanding by March 2027. It also plans to follow up on the projects for 60 days after the meeting to extend the discussions initiated between investors and promoters.

The National Council of Employers of Benin indicates that the event is organized by the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx) in Cotonou. The CNP has been invited to propose four representatives from the private sector to participate in the discussions.

The first edition opened on September 16 with around twenty pre-selected projects, according to La Nation. The newspaper also estimates the potential financing within a range of $2 to $3 billion and cites sectors such as agro-industry, agriculture, infrastructure, construction, and energy as being involved.

The initiative relies on targeted meetings between investors and promoters, as well as access to project documentation. Inclusion in the portfolio depends on factors such as project maturity, promoter credibility, financing needs, regulatory status, and the quality of available documentation.