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24 September· Innovation

Benin presents its artificial intelligence priorities at the 81st United Nations General Assembly

On the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Mr Mahuna AKPLOGAN, took part in several high-level meetings in New York devoted to accelerating the development of artificial intelligence on the African continent. Active participation in the African Union – Google ministerial round table In particular, the Minister took part in a ministerial round table jointly organised by the African Union Commission and Google, focusing on the key issues shaping the development of artificial intelligence in Africa. Discussions covered access to computing capacity, the strengthening of data infrastructure, models for sharing compute between States, talent training and the development of African datasets for artificial intelligence, all of which are directly in line with Benin's strategic priorities in this field. Fruitful bilateral talks The Minister held talks with Ms Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Rwanda. These discussions identified concrete avenues for cooperation on artificial intelligence infrastructure, research and skills development, as well as use cases in the agriculture, health and education sectors. A meeting was also held with Ms Aïssata De, Acting Regional Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on support for the artificial intelligence projects initiated by Benin and the conditions for scaling them up. A tripartite dialogue on African technological sovereignty Finally, the Minister held discussions with Dr 'Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Ms Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services of the Republic of Zimbabwe. This tripartite meeting provided an opportunity to compare the three countries' respective approaches to the development of artificial intelligence in Africa: infrastructure and computing capacity, technological sovereignty, national innovations and prospects for cooperation between African States. Through this participation, Benin reaffirms its commitment to artificial intelligence that serves the continent's development, driven by stronger cooperation between African nations and a shared vision of technological sovereignty.

10 August· Innovation

Benin and Ethiopia strengthen their cooperation in digital technology and innovation

From 4 to 8 August 2026, a Beninese ministerial delegation led by Mr Mahuna AKPLOGAN, Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, made a working visit to Addis Ababa. This mission follows on from high-level exchanges between the two countries, in particular the one-to-one meeting held on 13 July 2026 between the President of the Republic of Benin, His Excellency Romuald WADAGNI, and the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed. Sharing experience in digital transformation The visit provided a forum for exchanges on the two countries' digital trajectories. Benin shared in particular the achievements and lessons of nearly a decade of digital transformation, marked by the development of infrastructure, the digitisation of public services, digital identity, stronger cybersecurity and, more recently, a heightened ambition in artificial intelligence and innovation. The discussions made it possible to compare approaches in several areas: modernisation of public services, digital identity and interoperability, data governance, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence. Concrete prospects in AI and innovation A working session between the Beninese delegation and the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology enabled the two countries to share their achievements. The visit thus helps to deepen South-South cooperation around a shared ambition: putting digital technology, artificial intelligence and innovation at the service of development and of the people.

6 July· Innovation

National AI Olympiad: the prize-winners honoured

At the end of the first edition of the National AI Olympiad (NOAI), held on 27 June 2026, 20 young talents were officially honoured At the end of the first edition of the National AI Olympiad (NOAI), held on 27 June 2026, 20 young talents were officially honoured: the 16 best candidates in the overall ranking, as well as the 4 best female prize-winners, a recognition that reflects the Government's determination to promote the participation of girls in science and digital fields. On Saturday 4 July, at Sèmè One (Sèmè City), they received their preparation kits and now join the intensive Bootcamp that will lead them to the final selection of the national team. At the end of this programme, 8 young people will represent Benin at the 2026 International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, from 2 to 8 August in Astana, Kazakhstan. The kit presentation ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Mahuna AKPLOGAN, Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, in charge of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, Ms Sèdami MEDEGAN FAGLA, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Mr Clément KOUCHADE, Minister of Secondary Education. Their joint presence testifies to the firm commitment of the Government of Benin to developing the digital and scientific skills of Beninese youth, in line with the guidelines of the National Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Strategy (SNIAM 2023-2027). 👏🏾 Congratulations to the 20 prize-winners. Congratulations also to all 150 participants for their commitment and determination throughout the competition.

27 June· Innovation

Benin launches the National AI Olympiad to select the talents who will represent the country in Kazakhstan

On 27 June, 150 young Beninese are taking part in the first edition of the National AI Olympiad (NOAI), an initiative led by the Government of Benin to identify, train and support the country's best talents with a view to their participation in the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI 2026), to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 2 to 8 August 2026. Organised by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation (MTDI), the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS), the Ministry of Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education (MESTFP) and the Sèmè City Development Agency (ADSC), the Olympiad is the main national mechanism for identifying and preparing young Beninese talent in artificial intelligence. Investing today in the talents who will build tomorrow's digital economy Artificial intelligence is already transforming economies, professions and education systems. In response to these changes, Benin has made the development of advanced digital skills a national priority through the National Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Strategy (SNIAM 2023-2027). The National AI Olympiad is part of this ambition: to identify, train and support the best young Beninese talents in order to prepare a new generation capable of contributing to the country's technological development. A national competition in the service of excellence At the end of this first selection phase, 16 prize-winners will be chosen to continue the adventure. They will receive enhanced support including: specialised learning kits; an intensive preparation programme; a bootcamp dedicated to technical skills, problem-solving, scientific English and teamwork; supervision by experts and mentors. At the end of this programme, 8 young people will form the national team that will represent Benin at the 2026 International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. After a noteworthy first participation, Benin confirms its ambition Benin's first participation in the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in 2025 demonstrated the exceptional potential of Beninese youth. In its very first participation, the country ranked 30th out of 78 teams representing 62 nations. Benin was also one of only two African countries to obtain an individual distinction, thanks to the honourable mention awarded to Merveille AGBOSSAGA. These results confirmed the ability of young Beninese to compete with the best international talent in a discipline regarded as strategic for the future of nations. The 2026 National Olympiad thus marks a new stage in the Government's determination to make Benin an African benchmark for education, training and skills development in artificial intelligence. “Our ambition is clear: to make Benin an African benchmark for artificial intelligence education” Mahuna AKPLOGAN, Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, in charge of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy About the National AI Olympiad The National AI Olympiad is the main national mechanism for identifying, training and preparing young Beninese talent in artificial intelligence. It is organised by the Government of Benin through the MTDI, the MESRS, the MESTFP and the Sèmè City Development Agency in order to prepare Benin's participation in the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence.

27 November· Innovation

Amazones du Digital 2025: prize-winners honoured during Digital Week

The fifth edition of the “ Amazones du Digital ” competition came to a close on Friday 21 November 2025 on the sidelines of Digital Week (SENUM 2025), with the candidates pitching their respective projects to a jury. Organised by the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, “Amazones du Digital” focused on the candidates' ability to design, structure and manage viable and innovative technology businesses, thereby contributing to the development of the national digital ecosystem. At the end of the competition, the three prize-winners of the 2025 edition of the “Amazones du Digital” competition are: Brigitte Charluberth AZANKPAN, winner of the 1st prize Amoudath SEIDOU, winner of the 2nd prize Marlise MONTCHO, winner of the 3rd prize

1 January· Innovation

GPT.bj, Benin's government chatbot, wins the Innovation Award at Gitex Africa

2 December· Innovation

Launch of startup labelling

Pursuant to the provisions of Decree No. 2023-095 of 22 March 2023, this call for applications is hereby launched for Beninese micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) wishing to obtain the Startup Label and meeting the following conditions: have had the status of a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise for no more than six (06) years at the date of submission of the application; have achieved, or submitted for authorisation, an innovation in the digital, health, tourism, agriculture or technology sectors; have developed or marketed a high value-added product or service whose business model can be replicated on a larger scale. Interested micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are accordingly invited to apply online from 2 to 12 December 2024 on the national public services portal, available at: https://service-public.bj/public/services/service/PS01345 For any further information, please write to the following address: [email protected]

28 June· Innovation

Granting of the “Startup” Label to MSMEs in Benin: the technical labelling committee officially installed

On Tuesday 25 June, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation installed the technical labelling committee. The adoption in March 2023 of the decree on granting the Startup Label to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises was the culmination of a long process that began in 2018 with the Benin Startup Week initiative, which consisted of a series of visits to Beninese startups offering innovative solutions within Benin's digital ecosystem. These visits made it possible to gain a better understanding of their solutions, products and services and to grasp the real difficulties they face and some of the realities of our startups. In direct line with the implementation of the decree, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation installed the technical labelling committee on Tuesday 25 June. On this occasion, the Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU recalled that labelling is a vision championed by the Head of State. After congratulating the members of the committee, she invited them to take ownership of the various guidance documents, while expressing the wish that the call for applications for granting the Startup Label to the 1st cohort of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises be launched by September at the latest. Mission of the technical labelling committee The committee is a consultative body whose mission is to grant the Startup Label. In this capacity, it is responsible for: - Receiving and examining the applications of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises - Periodically publishing the list of labelled startups - Notifying the decisions resulting from the examination of applications - Issuing decisions to revoke a label that has been granted Composition of the technical labelling committee The committee is made up of seven members appointed for a renewable term of two years: Mr Djabirou AMADOU, Deputy Chief of Staff and representative of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Chair of the committee; Mr Krishna LOKOSSOU, Director General of La Poste Bénin SA and representative of the Ministry of Economy and Finance; Mr Honorat SATOGUINA, Director General of ABeVRIT and representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Mr Laurent GANGBES, Director General of ADPME and representative of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development Agency (ADPME); Mr Régis TADE, Director of Innovative Entrepreneurship and representative of Sèmè City; Mr Jean-Marie DEHOU, representative of the Ministry of Health; Mr Conrad GBAGUIDI, Director General of MGT Conseils and a figure appointed by the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation. The adoption of this decree provides a regulatory framework conducive to identifying and labelling Beninese startups in order to support their economic growth. In particular, it strengthens the arrangements put in place by the Government to create an environment favourable to entrepreneurship, notably with the creation of a one-stop shop for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to offer them a suitable financing mechanism.

12 March· Innovation

AI round table: Benin and Canada explore opportunities for collaboration between the two countries

On the occasion of the visit to Benin of the Speaker of the Senate of Canada from 6 to 9 March 2024, the Embassy of Canada to Benin organised, on Thursday 7 March 2024, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation of the Republic of Benin, a round table on Artificial Intelligence. The event was co-chaired by the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, and the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Ms Raymonde GAGNÉ. The adoption by Benin in January 2023 of a National Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Strategy (SNIAM) puts the country in a strong position to seize current and future opportunities in artificial intelligence and big data processing, which would make it even more attractive for all types of investment, particularly from the private sector and development partners. In recent years, Canada has strengthened its leadership in AI research and commercialisation, and several renowned Canadian companies and universities in the field have shown their interest in working with Beninese stakeholders in this sector. During the round table, which brought together players from Benin's digital sector, entrepreneurs from Benin and Canada, representatives of Parliament and academia, and a delegation led by the Speaker of the Canadian Senate, participants explored opportunities for collaboration between the two States, particularly between companies from both countries. Convinced that international collaboration is needed in the face of the rise of AI, Raymonde GAGNÉ reaffirmed Canada's readiness to share its expertise in this area with its Beninese partners. Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU sees this round table as an important event for Benin, which intends to seize every opportunity to make progress in this sector. “This round table offers a timely opportunity to strengthen the bonds of cooperation in this field between our two States,” she said, before reiterating Benin's determination to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the field of AI by ensuring a participatory, transparent and ethical approach.

8 December· Innovation

The 2023 edition of the “Amazones du Digital” competition announces its winners

Coming from different localities across Benin, the finalists of the 2023 edition of the “Amazones du Digital” competition attended a training course in Cotonou from 4 to 7 December 2023, which enabled them, among other things, to better structure their projects and improve their management skills. On Friday 8 December 2023, they pitched their respective projects to a jury. The jury deliberated on the basis of criteria such as innovation, commercial potential, technical feasibility, social impact, quality of the prototype and presentation. At the end of the competition, the three winners of the 2023 edition of the “Amazones du Digital” competition are: DOSSOU Claudette Hymogène AMADJI Abigaele DJIMA Auspicia

18 January· Innovation

Benin adopts a National Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Strategy

At its meeting on Wednesday 18 January 2023, the Council of Ministers approved the National Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Strategy (SNIAM) 2023-2027. Based on the Government's vision of making digital technology one of the foundations of economic and social progress, this strategy and its action plan were drawn up through a process involving stakeholders, following a holistic approach focused on technological solutions that meet our country's needs, particularly in the fields of education, health, agriculture, living environment and tourism, and on an understanding of use cases applicable to the Beninese context. Driven by the vision of making Benin, by 2027, a country that also shines through the value it derives from its big data by means of artificial intelligence systems and technologies and the development of related skills, it consists of four (04) programmes that can be rolled out in three (03) phases over five (05) years, with a portfolio of one hundred and twenty-three (123) actions affecting the public and private sectors. Its adoption positions Benin as a country able to seize current and future opportunities in Artificial Intelligence and big data processing, which would make it even more attractive for all types of investment, particularly from the private sector and development partners. Download the SNIAM 2023-2027 Why is Benin adopting a national AI and big data strategy? Through its action programme, the Government of Benin has made digital technology one of the foundations of economic and social progress. The major investments made in this sector since 2016 reflect a strong political will to develop the digital economy and to transform the country, sustainably, into a regional platform for digital services. Some major projects in the digital sector (data centre, interoperability, e-Administration, e-Services, Open Data, etc.) will generate big data, whose management and exploitation must be addressed to ensure that its potential for value creation does not escape the Beninese economy. Artificial intelligence therefore appears to be a tool for addressing this issue effectively in order to support Benin's standing in strategic sectors (education, health, agriculture, living environment, tourism). However, to harness its potential and strengthen the initiatives already under way in the field of artificial intelligence, Benin needs, on the one hand, to know its strengths in this area and, on the other, to define its objectives with a view to taking the lead in the sub-region. It was to this end that the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation initiated the drafting of the National Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Strategy and its action plan, drawn up in concert with stakeholders and submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval. With an estimated budget of four billion six hundred and eighty million (4,680,000,000) CFA francs over a period of five (05) years, the implementation of this strategy provides an opportunity to harness AI in the target development areas in order to position the country as a major AI player in West Africa. Institutional framework fostering the development of AI in Benin Benin has an institutional framework made up of several players, including: the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation (MND), the Information Systems and Digital Agency (ASIN), the Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP) and the Sèmè City Development Agency (ADSC). In addition, a few private players, still on a very modest scale, mainly start-ups and civic associations, are already exploring avenues and organising training on application development and the uses of AI. Benin also has training institutes such as the Institute for Training and Research in Computer Science (IFRI) and the Institute of Mathematics and Physical Sciences (IMSP), which is equipped with a supercomputer, providing access to significant computing power to facilitate the development of AI both in Benin and throughout the sub-region.

8 July· Innovation

Digital Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence Fair: Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU kicks off the first edition

On Thursday 7 July 2022, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, officially opened the 1st edition of the Digital Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence Fair (SENIA). For the occasion, she was accompanied by her colleague in charge of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Employment Promotion, Mr Modeste Tihounté KEREKOU From 7 to 9 July 2022, ICT players and business leaders from the digital and Artificial Intelligence sectors, from Benin, Africa and around the world, are gathering around the theme: “Digital entrepreneurship and the challenges of Artificial Intelligence for the socio-economic development of Africa”. Since 2016, Benin has embarked on a digital revolution, reflected in massive investment in building digital infrastructure, the digitisation of the public administration and the creation of a digital ecosystem that inspires confidence and fosters job creation. For the chair of the SENIA organising committee, Mr Gaspard DATONDJI, the Fair, which opens two months after the technical and participatory workshop presenting the draft national artificial intelligence and big data strategy, is a further opportunity to make contributions so that its action plan, projects and use cases reflect the digital Benin “that we want to reveal to ourselves and to the world”. Artificial intelligence is a subject with great potential to foster social well-being and progress. It is a field that offers job opportunities. In his address, Minister Modeste Tihounté KEREKOU reminded participants of the various measures taken by the Government to promote SMEs in our country: “The Government has understood that the issue of youth entrepreneurship is important and deserves to be addressed methodically. It is for this reason that a scheme to promote and support SMEs has been created. “SENIA provides an opportunity not only to put the spotlight on our country's potential in artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship, but also to share experiences, aspirations and expectations and, above all, to pool efforts in the sector,” added Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU SENIA was initiated to create a melting pot bringing together the main players and partners of the ecosystem, from here and elsewhere, to discuss various themes related to digital entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence. It is a place to reflect on the role that the various stakeholders should play in offering the population and businesses in all sectors of activity a suitable range of services, while enabling them to create value and boost the economy. To follow the various activities of the Digital Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence Fair, come to the Palais des Congrès until Saturday 9 July 2022, or follow online on the event website at https://senia.bj/programme

28 April· Innovation

Artificial intelligence: Benin moves towards a consensus-based strategy

On Friday 22 April 2022, the Chief of Staff of the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Mr Ahmed Sacca YAROU, chaired the participatory workshop for drawing up the national strategy on artificial intelligence and big data. Following the review of the state of artificial intelligence development in Benin, the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation appointed the consultancy firm ANTAH to define the national strategy for artificial intelligence and the use of big data. The interim report submitted by the firm sets out a proposed strategy, with objectives, actions and multisectoral activities to address artificial intelligence use cases. Beyond the digital sector, several sectors will be affected by the implementation of this strategy, with health, agriculture and transport as priorities. At the participatory workshop for drawing up the national strategy on artificial intelligence and big data, chaired on Friday 22 April 2022 by Mr Ahmed Sacca YAROU, Chief of Staff of the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, participants from State sector departments, the private sector, associations and universities made proposals that will help build a consensus document. This will facilitate the coordination of the actions to be taken to achieve Benin’s digital ambitions. Why is Benin adopting a national AI strategy? Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing at lightning speed today. As a result, it is becoming a major issue for national development policies through its implications for training, research and innovation. To realise the impact of this potential, Benin must know its strengths in this area and set its objectives for harnessing AI for the benefit of taxpayers. A national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence will support the sector’s efforts to align with the objectives of the sectoral policy, which is to make Benin the digital services platform of West Africa to accelerate growth and social inclusion. At a time when artificial intelligence has become a field of strategic importance that could be a key driver of economic development and a lever for regional and global strategic positioning, with many sectoral opportunities, Benin’s vision and strong determination to adopt a robust national artificial intelligence strategy are essential. It offers the opportunity to harness AI in targeted development areas in order to position the country as a major AI player in West Africa. Hence the need for a pragmatic and “actionable” AI strategy that delivers concrete solutions to development problems in several fields (agriculture, health, tourism, education, transport, defence, e-Government, e-Business, etc.) Drawing up a national strategy will launch a coordinated effort that will gradually put in place, or strengthen, the foundations needed for AI to flourish in Benin.

8 July· Innovation

Discovering careers in AI: Jean-Martin JASPERS enlightens Beninese students and professionals

On a working visit to Benin, Prefect Jean-Martin JASPERS, Delegate for Artificial Intelligence at the French Ministry of the Interior, held a discussion session on Tuesday 6 July 2021 with Beninese students and entrepreneurs on the theme “Discovering careers in AI: identifying pathways and getting trained”. On a working visit to Benin, Prefect Jean-Martin JASPERS, Delegate for Artificial Intelligence at the French Ministry of the Interior, held a discussion session on Tuesday 6 July 2021 with Beninese students and entrepreneurs on the theme “Discovering careers in AI: identifying pathways and getting trained”. The event was attended by the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, and Mr Eric ADJA, President of the Francophone Agency for Artificial Intelligence (AFRIA). According to the Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, Benin aims to position itself as a major player in big data and Artificial Intelligence applications on the African stage. To this end, a study is already under way and will lead to a national strategy on big data and Artificial Intelligence. The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation explained to the audience that this information session on careers in AI aims to prepare them for the ecosystem that will emerge following the adoption of the national strategy. For a full hour, Prefect Jean-Martin JASPERS presented in turn the institutional framework of France, a pioneer in this field within the European Union, the various applications of AI and the careers of the future in the field. From Data Analyst to Data Scientist, by way of Data Steward and AI Trainer, the speaker reviewed more than a dozen professions. He then gave advice on the various training pathways to the students, entrepreneurs and professionals present. The students, entrepreneurs and professionals present did not hide their satisfaction at having been involved in this event, which will help them make better career choices. The President of the Francophone Agency for Artificial Intelligence (AFRIA), Eric ADJA, who accompanied the French delegation, also welcomed the initiative. Following this session, Prefect Jean Martin JASPERS gave a public lecture at the University of Abomey-Calavi on Wednesday 7 July 2021. The official photos of the discussion session are available at the following address: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWewNJr

15 June· Innovation

Beninese startups: AS World Tech SARL received in audience

The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, and her colleague the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ms Shadiya Alimatou ASSOUMAN, received in audience on Tuesday 8 June 2021 a team from the Beninese startup AS World Tech SARL, which promotes the Beninese high-tech brand Asuka Spirit “AS®”, led by its head, Mr Richard ODJRADO. The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, and her colleague the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ms Shadiya Alimatou ASSOUMAN, received in audience on Tuesday 8 June 2021 a team from the Beninese startup AS World Tech SARL, which promotes the Beninese high-tech brand Asuka Spirit “AS®”, led by its head, Mr Richard ODJRADO. The discussions covered the presentation of the startup's Asuka Spirit brand, comprising a range of three products already developed and available, namely: The LS-1 smart glasses, The Shango laptop computer The V7 smartwatch AS World Tech SARL is a startup specialising in the manufacture of high-tech products. The two Ministers made recommendations for raising the brand's profile and making its technology products ambassadors of the “Made in Benin” label. The Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU also recalled that the Digital Entrepreneurship Support Fund (FAEN) is part of the drive to revitalise the digital ecosystem through training and various forms of support for startups, entrepreneurs and young people passionate about digital technology. To find out more about FAEN, visit the website at the following address: https://faen.gouv.bj/

14 May· Innovation

Digital Entrepreneurship Support Fund: 11 startups awarded OUMANDERA funding receive their cheques

On Friday 14 May 2021, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, chaired the ceremony presenting cheques to the Beninese startups awarded OUMANDERA funding. The Minister of Economy and Finance was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Mr Hermann Orou TAKOU On Friday 14 May 2021, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, chaired the ceremony presenting cheques to the Beninese startups awarded OUMANDERA funding. The Minister of Economy and Finance was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Mr Hermann Orou TAKOU. In the presence of the founders of the winning startups, Ms Jessica GABA, Coordinator of the Digital Entrepreneurship Support Fund (FAEN), outlined the mechanism through which the startups were selected to benefit from OUMANDERA funding. The FAEN received 114 applications following a call for applications launched in October 2020. The 11 best startups were chosen at the end of a three-stage selection process: a pre-selection, a written assessment of the applications and pitches before an evaluation committee. “Throughout the selection process, we met young people, men and women, full of energy, determined and with a great deal of passion. They are the ones who will create the jobs of tomorrow,” added Mr Aristide ADJINACOU, Director of Operations of the Information Services and Systems Agency (ASSI) and Chair of the evaluation committee. GO MEDICAL, BFT, FEDAPAY, GOUNOU, YLOMI, TIC AGRO BUSINESS, OLA MEDICAL SERVICES, AFRICA PUZZLE, JINUKUN, MEDOM BENIN and TECH IT ALL ENGENEERING, the 11 startups awarded OUMANDERA funding under the first intake of 2020-2021, through their spokesperson Mr Amos AVOCE, founder of BFT, thanked the Government for these grants, which will certainly help them embark on a new phase in the development of their activities. After congratulating the winning startups, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, assured them of the Government's commitment to developing the digital sector. For the Minister, the many investments in digital infrastructure, the modernisation of the administration and the applications set up as part of the digitisation of procedures must be accompanied by the development of private initiative. OUMANDERA funding is part of this vision. “Today we are at the end of a process, but it is not the end of everything; it is the beginning of something else: the beginning of the follow-up that we are going to put in place,” said the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation. The winning startups will indeed join a local acceleration programme to refine their projects before receiving their respective funding. To see the list of startups awarded OUMANDERA funding under the first intake of 2020-2021, read the full text of Order No. 007/MND/DC/SGM/CTJ/DAF/CJ/SA/009SGG21 setting the list of startups awarded a grant under the Digital Entrepreneurship Support Fund ==> https://bit.ly/3tSsVrW

10 December· Innovation

[Meet the winners of the 2020 “Amazones du Digital” challenge: Stéphanie GNIMADI DAGBA, the digital gardener]

Stéphanie GNIMADI DAGBA is the overall winner of the 2020 edition of the “Amazones du Digital” challenge with her project "La Gamme Verte", a digital garden centre Holder of a bachelor's degree in business computing and a web designer for 10 years, Stéphanie GNIMADI DAGBA, who has been passionate about natural plants since childhood, is the overall winner of the 2020 edition of the “Amazones du Digital” challenge with her project “La Gamme Verte”, the digital garden centre. The idea for La Gamme Verte came from an observation: following the clearing of public spaces in Benin in 2017 and the renovation of Cotonou's main urban thoroughfares, most of the gardeners who displayed their plants along the roads moved away. Since then, finding it hard to locate gardeners from whom she could buy plants, Stéphanie GNIMADI DAGBA came up with the idea of acting as a bridge between gardeners, horticulturists and customers. This is how La Gamme Verte was born. https://lagammeverte.com La Gamme Verte is an e-commerce platform selling indoor and outdoor plants, pots and garden accessories, and offering practical advice on plant care. It also offers services for all types of landscaping and floral design. La Gamme Verte is a digital solution that makes available online a wide variety of decorative plants with many virtues, for a more pleasant living environment for every citizen. All lovers of greenery can therefore, without leaving home: Take advantage of gardening advice for looking after their plants; Benefit from discount vouchers on promotional offers; Interact with an ever-growing community on decorating ideas and the virtues of plants. Follow the news of Stéphanie GNIMADI DAGBA, first prize winner of the 2020 edition of the “Amazones du Digital” challenge, and her project La Gamme Verte via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaGammeVerte Website: https://lagammeverte.com/ Discover the winners, their projects and all the activities of the 2020 edition of Digital Week on the event's digital channels and on those of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation. Facebook => https://www.facebook.com/SemaineduNumerique.bj Twitter => https://twitter.com/Senum_Benin Website => https://semainedunumerique.bj/ #BeninNumerique #SENUM2020 #AmazonesduDigital229

27 November· Innovation

The Europe–Africa hackathon is launched

Dear startups, the Europe–Africa hackathon is launched! The O.P.N.D. (Pan-African Digital Observatory for Development) and B.O.I (Bridge Of Innovations) would like to inform you that they are partners of the Afro-European hackathon (programming marathon). EU: Africa The Post Crisis Journey, an initiative organised by the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the African Union, in cooperation with Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland and the European Investment Bank, with implementing partners Garage 48 (an experienced Estonian NGO) and the Smart Africa Alliance, is holding an online intercontinental hackathon, “EU: Africa, the Post-Crisis Journey”, from 10 to 13 December 2020. The aim of the hackathon is to find innovative digital solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing African countries, further amplified by the Covid-19 crisis, and thereby to accelerate socio-economic development through innovative digital solutions. The teams working on the challenges will be mixed Afro-European teams (each team would include at least one person from an African country and one from a European country) - a format that will further strengthen Afro-European cooperation on both a personal and a professional level. The challenges for which the teams are seeking digital solutions come from African countries. In cooperation with the African Union and the Smart Africa Alliance, the Estonian team was able to identify the most pressing problems in African states, made even more acute by the Covid-19 crisis. The hackathon will be followed by a post-hackathon matchmaking event. There will also be a fully online post-hackathon mentoring programme, with mentors from African and European countries. We aim to engage 10,000 passionate, tech-savvy and socially conscious problem-solvers, 300 mentors and 500 community organisations across Africa and Europe. The winning teams will share a prize fund of 100K euros (and growing!), further develop their prototypes in the hackathon follow-up programme and put their world-changing ideas into practice in real life. This transcontinental hackathon was launched and the opening of registrations was announced on 20 October 2020. The link to its website (with information on the challenges) is: www.euafricathejourney.com . The first team formation will take place on 28 November 2020. Participants are encouraged to register before 28 November 2020, but registrations will remain open until 3 December 2020. For more information, visit https://www.euafricathejourney.com/ To register and submit ideas: https://eventornado.com/event/eu-africa-the-post-crisis-journey Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/euafricathejourney/

9 October· Innovation

Digital Entrepreneurship Support Fund: a tool to boost the development of Beninese startups

Digital Entrepreneurship Support Fund: a tool to boost the development of Beninese startups “To position Benin as the digital platform of West Africa by 2021 and make Information and Communication Technologies the main lever of its socio-economic development ”: such has been the stated ambition of the Government of His Excellency President Patrice TALON since 2016. Aware of the important role startups play in achieving this goal, the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation has set up several support mechanisms, including the Digital Entrepreneurship Support Fund (FAEN). The FAEN aims to revitalise digital entrepreneurship through direct financial support, training and assistance for startups and young people wishing to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital technology in Benin. The Fund is part of the vision of the Government of the Republic of Benin to establish a viable and solid ecosystem for digital entrepreneurship. More specifically, the Fund’s activities aim to create an innovation environment for digital start-ups, to provide them with tools and resources that help them grow into prosperous and sustainable businesses, and to improve the national and international visibility of Beninese startups. As part of implementing one of the strands of its action, the FAEN will very shortly launch a call for applications for funding for Beninese startups, to help them begin a new phase in the development of their business.

24 September· Innovation

“Digital Holidays” programme: young Beninese go to artificial intelligence school

“Digital Holidays” programme: young Beninese go to artificial intelligence school On Monday 21 September 2020, three members of the Beninese Government took part in the inaugural conference of the “Digital Holidays” programme initiated by the Adrien Houngbédji Foundation for Digital Technology, Youth and Artificial Intelligence (FAHNJIA) in partnership with the Francophone Agency for Artificial Intelligence in Africa (AFRIA) and other organisations. The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou, and her colleagues Alain Orounla, in charge of Communication and Postal Services, and Aurélien Agbénonci, of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, lent their support to this programme, which brings together a number of young Beninese from 21 to 26 September 2020. “Digital Holidays” aims to enable young working people, as well as pupils and students, to become familiar with the concepts and stakes of artificial intelligence and to see the opportunities it offers. The sessions focus mainly on Python, the main programming language in artificial intelligence. During the inaugural conference, the President of AFRIA stressed that this artificial intelligence (AI) training programme is a first in French-speaking Africa. Eric Adja then emphasised what is at stake with AI for Africa and Benin. According to the Minister of Communication and Postal Services, Alain Orounla, this reflection on AI is welcome, because artificial intelligence, one of the key issues of the 21st century, will transform humanity in every respect in the coming decades. He did not fail to recall the vision of President Patrice Talon, which is to “ transform Benin into the digital platform of West Africa and make Information and Communication Technologies the main lever of its socio-economic development ”. In the same vein, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou, said that under the leadership of President Patrice Talon, Benin is developing “ a national strategy on big data and the development of artificial intelligence… centred on technological solutions adapted to our needs (education, health, agriculture, living environment, tourism, transport, defence, e-government, e-business), and on understanding the use cases applicable to our context ”. According to Adrien Houngbédji, former President of the National Assembly and President of FAHNJIA, the aim of this kind of exercise is to “ spark young Beninese people’s interest in the many scientific developments that will transform their lives ”. He also welcomed the interest shown by the Government in this activity. The “Digital Holidays” programme is organised into several in-person workshops, each bringing together around fifty participants at most. Benin’s major university centres, Porto-Novo, Cotonou, Parakou, Abomey-Calavi, Abomey, Bohicon and Lokossa, will host the in-person capacity-building activities from 21 to 26 September 2020. Other young people can follow these workshops remotely on the Zoom or Big Blue Button platforms. “Artificial intelligence, education, jobs and careers in Africa and Benin”; “Artificial intelligence, sustainable development, agriculture and the environment”; “Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, legal and ethical issues” and an introduction to the Python language are the main topics on the agenda.

22 October· Innovation

Digital Challenge: “Les Amazones du Digital”, a competition that showcases young women leading digital projects in Benin

In the run-up to the third edition of Digital Week, to be held from 12 to 16 November 2019, the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, in partnership with the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES), launched the “Les Amazones du Digital” competition online. This challenge aims to stimulate the creation and growth of women-led businesses in order to contribute to job creation through digital technology. Twenty candidates from across the country were shortlisted following the call for applications, in which some fifty women took part. They took part in a two-day training and coaching programme delivered by four members of the international association “Women and Men in Environment and Artificial Intelligence” (WOMENVAI). They then presented their pitch to a jury made up of the “femmes digitales 229”, a member of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation and a representative of WOMENVAI. The three winners of the competition will be announced and rewarded at the Digital Week gala evening, to be held on Thursday 14 November 2019. A look back in pictures at the highlights of the coaching and pitch programme of the “ Les Amazones du Digital ” competition. Would you like to take part in Digital Week activities? Register now at the following address: https://semainedunumerique.bj/s-inscrire #SENUM2019 #AmazonesduDigital229 #FemmesDigitales229

18 March· Innovation

Cotonou Policy Hackathon: the i4Policy movement seeks the support of Minister Aurélie Adam Soulé ZOUMAROU

Benin has just joined Rwanda, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal by hosting the Cotonou Policy Hackathon on Tuesday 12 March 2019. i4Policy is a pan-African organisation that brings together more than sixty (60) innovation hubs through Policy Hackathons, working actively to improve public innovation policies in collaboration with public decision-makers in order to accelerate innovative entrepreneurship and youth employability. The aim of the initiative is to analyse and propose appropriate responses to the challenge of improving the regulatory framework in which innovative businesses, start-ups and very small enterprises operate in Benin. This approach will not only address the factors that prevent start-ups from growing, but also bring them together in order to change people’s living conditions. “When it comes to our innovative young companies and our start-ups, what counts is the value of our commitment to this Policy Hackathon, not the numbers,” said Ms Aurelie I. Adam Soule ZOUMAROU, Minister of Digital Economy and Communication, who was invited to the launch of the Cotonou Policy Hackathon. It was an opportunity for her to reaffirm the Government’s support for improving the digital ecosystem through the launch of the Cotonou Policy Hackathon. Several other partners are working towards the success of this event: the World Bank Africa Region, the Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung foundation, Initiative For Africa (IFA) and the main partner hubs Blolab Cotonou, Btech Space, EtriLabs, Solidar'it, Uacstartupvalley and Waxangari labs.