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26 June· Press Release

Second CISO Conference: Minister Mahuna AKPLOGAN places digital security at the heart of the ambition for an augmented State

On Thursday 25 June 2026, the Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, in charge of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, opened the second Conference of Chief Information Security Officers, presenting cybersecurity as the very condition of Benin's digital ambition. On Thursday 25 June 2026, the Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, in charge of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, opened the second Conference of Chief Information Security Officers, presenting cybersecurity as the very condition of Benin's digital ambition. A State's sovereignty is no longer measured by its borders alone. It was with this powerful image that Minister Mahuna AKPLOGAN opened the second edition of the Conference of Chief Information Security Officers (CRSSI 2026), organised by the Information Systems and Digital Agency (ASIN) on 25 June 2026 in Cotonou on the theme “AI for cybersecurity and cybersecurity for AI”. Before some one hundred professionals from public administrations and the private sector, he set out the fine line of our times: a Benin that goes digital becomes a Benin that is exposed, and this exposure calls for guardians. An achievement to be defended For nearly a decade, Benin has laid the foundations of a digital nation: the Digital Code, the roll-out of fibre, the digitisation of public services, a digital identity for millions of citizens and one of the continent's first national artificial intelligence strategies. This achievement carries a paradoxical requirement: the more the State knows and decides quickly thanks to digital technology, the more it concentrates what it must protect. The National Digital Security Strategy and the policies for protecting critical information infrastructure respond to this reality with a simple aim: to leave no organisation alone in the face of the threat. The Director General of ASIN, Mr Marc-André LOKO, indicated that the creation of a conference dedicated to information systems security is also part of this drive. Learning by testing, aiming higher CRSSI 2026 was resolutely practical. The day before, a one-day cyber drill confronted the CISOs with realistic incident scenarios, alongside national and international experts. Digital security, the Minister recalled, is not learned by reading an instruction: it is tested, at full scale. The horizon set for this collective effort is that of a State augmented by emerging technologies (artificial intelligence, connected objects, increasingly interdependent systems), able to govern with greater discernment and to serve with greater accuracy An inherited mission In a passage that struck the audience, the Minister placed the mission of CISOs within the long history of Benin. In Abomey, the knowledge of the State was defended from reign to reign; in Nikki, the spoken word passed down the generations without ever being lost. Protecting a people's knowledge is an age-old Beninese mission. Today, the treasure has changed form (data, systems, networks) but the duty remains the same. The State that Benin is building will be one that has remained master of its intelligence and faithful to the person it serves, whether that person lives in Cotonou, in Parakou or in the most remote village in the country. It was with this conviction that the Minister declared the second Conference of Chief Information Security Officers open.

10 February· Press Release

Strategic seminar to draw up the 2031 digital strategy

The major players in Benin's digital ecosystem met in Cotonou on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 February for a strategic seminar on the development of the sector. The meeting, organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, marks a key stage in drawing up Benin's digital strategy for 2031. Over two days, representatives of the public sector, private operators and technical partners pooled their expertise around a twofold objective: to define a vision, guidelines and priority initiatives for the next five years; to mobilise and unite all stakeholders around a shared vision of digital technology, consistent with national ambitions. Opening the seminar, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, stated that the work is part of a long-term process. She recalled that strategic thinking must be rooted in the vision Benin 2060 ALAFIA, a world of splendours. “Your thinking is decisive in giving shape to this vision and this strategy. This is the opportunity to bring in your good ideas for the development of the sector,” she stressed. The drafting of the 2031 digital strategy aims to accelerate Benin's digital transformation, support economic competitiveness, improve the quality of public services and promote an inclusive society in which no one is left on the margins of innovation. This strategic seminar is a major milestone towards the drafting of the strategy, the work on which is being carried out by the firm Deloitte.

19 January· Press Release

Digital transformation in Benin: a strategic vision crowned with success

Benin has reached a historic milestone on its path towards administrative modernity. The latest results of the World Bank's GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) 2025 confirm the relevance of the massive investments and the political vision driven by the national authorities. With a remarkable overall score of 0.723, Benin demonstrates an exceptional ability to transform its administration for the well-being of its citizens. This performance rests on solid pillars and concrete technological achievements: High-performing online public services (PSDI: 0.863) The national public services portal is now a tangible reality. With a score close to perfection, Benin has succeeded in simplifying, digitising and making accessible hundreds of administrative procedures, thereby making daily life easier for users and businesses. A robust institutional environment (GTEI: 0.748) The introduction of a modern and secure regulatory framework testifies to exemplary digital governance. This institutional stability is the foundation on which the confidence of investors and technology partners is built. High-performing core government systems (CGSI: 0.688) The national digital infrastructure, including the government cloud and financial management systems, ensures transparent and efficient public management. These robust foundations guarantee the sustainability of the reforms under way. Citizen engagement in full development (DCEI: 0.593) Benin continues to strengthen its digital dialogue mechanisms, laying the groundwork for an administration that is ever more open and attentive to its people. These results are not an end in themselves, but the driving force of an even greater ambition: to make Benin a land of innovation where technology serves human development and national prosperity alone.

28 November· Press Release

2026 budget of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation: before MPs, Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU reaffirms the strategic priorities

On Tuesday 25 November 2025, the Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU appeared before the national representation to present the draft budget of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation for the 2026 financial year. The 2026 draft budget of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation (MND) was prepared in accordance with the directives contained in the budget framework letter issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), as well as with the challenges and priorities of the sector, in line with sectoral policies and strategies. The appropriations allocated to the MND for the 2026 financial year amount to twenty-seven billion, two hundred and thirty-eight million, thirty-five thousand, five hundred and fifty-three (27,238,035,553) CFA francs, compared with twenty-nine billion, thirty-three million, nine hundred and sixty-six thousand, one hundred and ninety-two (29,033,966,192) CFA francs in 2025, a decrease of 6.18%. The decrease in the budget is explained by the reduction in external financing in 2026 (12.22%). The 2026 budget breaks down as follows: operating expenditure: 9,774,411,267 CFA francs (36%); capital expenditure: 17,463,624,286 CFA francs (64%). This draft budget will enable the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation to pursue ambitious objectives that are essential for Benin's development. It will support the implementation of structural reforms in the digital sector, while accelerating the digitalisation of key sectors of the national economy and the digital transformation of local authorities. This budget will also foster the widespread adoption of digital technology, thereby strengthening citizens' confidence in these tools, and will guarantee broader access to modern, responsible media that deliver quality information. It is distributed across the Ministry's three (03) programmes, namely: - STEERING AND SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR MND SERVICES, for an amount of 2,184,235,167 CFA francs (i.e. 8.02%); - DIGITAL PROGRAMME, for an amount of 12,372,151,413 CFA francs (i.e. 45.42%); - MEDIA PROGRAMME, for an amount of 12,681,648,973 CFA francs (i.e. 46.56%); Aware of the issues at stake in the development of digital technology and the media, the MND is committed to ensuring the efficient use of this budget. The objective is to deliver tangible and relevant results, thereby fostering the digital, economic and social transformation of our country.

2 October· Press Release

The e-Communes platform officially launched

On Tuesday 30 September 2025, the Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU officially launched the e-Communes platform. Before an audience of mayors, prefects and executive secretaries, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, declared: “What we are launching today is not simply an IT project, but a new relationship between the administration and citizens.” In its pilot phase, e-Communes is being deployed in Porto-Novo, Lokossa and Djougou. Five essential administrative procedures are now available online there: authorisations for religious processions, for sporting or educational events, for burial in the cemetery, for caravan outings and for minors travelling abroad. Payment and the transmission of documents are carried out online, guaranteeing speed and security. “Every journey avoided, every cost eliminated, every minute saved is a victory for our fellow citizens, especially for women, young people and rural populations,” the Minister stressed. Beyond the simplification of procedures, added Raphaël AKOTEGNON, Minister of Decentralisation and Local Governance, the programme responds to a broader ambition: that of bringing the State closer to citizens and strengthening the role of municipalities as drivers of local development. The Minister highlighted the benefits of digitisation, namely transparency, reliability, better management of resources and greater visibility of the cultural and tourist assets of municipalities. “Tomorrow's local governance will be participatory and inclusive, in the service of citizens,” he declared, inviting elected officials to take ownership of the initiative and explain its advantages to the population. The platform will be gradually extended to the other 77 municipalities through the PRSCG 2 programme.

22 August· Press Release

AMAZONES DU DIGITAL 2025: list of the twelve (12) selected candidates

As part of the 5th edition of the Amazones du Digital competition, the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation launched a call for applications to select twelve (12) Beninese women aged twenty-five (25) to thirty-five (35) with projects to set up Digital Solutions Companies (ESN). In its new format, the competition focuses on the candidates' ability to design, structure and manage viable and innovative technology businesses, thereby contributing to the development of the national digital ecosystem. Following a rigorous selection process, the list of candidates selected, in order of merit, for the launch of the final phase is as follows:

28 July· Press Release

Digital Code: the CES learns about the stakes of a strategic reform

At the invitation of the Economic and Social Council (CES), a team from the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation led by the Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU held an information session on the Digital Code on Thursday 24 July 2025, to enable the institution's members to grasp the implications of this major reform for Benin's development in the digital age. An indispensable legal framework Adopted in 2017 and updated in 2024, the Digital Code is the legal foundation of the country's digital transformation. The Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU stressed that the Digital Code responds above all to a necessity: that of regulating the use of digital technology, just as the highway code regulates traffic. “The Internet is like a motorway: rules must be set to guarantee the safety and efficiency of all users,” she illustrated. This law thus gives operators a clear framework in which to conduct their activities, launch new services or deploy digital infrastructure. It also provides for penalties for offenders, thereby creating a climate of trust for citizens and businesses. A lever for the digital economy Beyond the regulatory aspect, the Minister highlighted the liberating role of the Code. By recognising the legal validity of electronic documents and digital signatures, it makes the digitisation of public and private services possible. “Without this Code, most of our online procedures would have no legal value,” she explained. Thanks to these provisions, Benin's digital economy can take shape, attract investment and encourage innovation. “This document is a fundamental pillar of our digital economy,” the Minister concluded. At the end of the session, the President of the CES, Mr Conrad GBAGUIDI, praised the quality of the exchanges and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting the implementation of the Code. He stressed the importance of collective ownership of this strategic reform, which is an essential lever for the modernisation of public administration and the socio-economic development of Benin.

12 May· Press Release

Startup labelling: results of the first call for applications

The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation announces: Pursuant to the provisions of Decree 2023-095 setting out the terms for granting the Startup Label to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the related rights and obligations, the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation launched, from 02 to 12 December 2024, throughout the national territory, the first call for applications for Beninese micro, small and medium-sized enterprises wishing to obtain the Startup Label. At the close of this call for applications, ninety-five (95) applications were received from micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the digital, health, tourism, agriculture and technology sectors. After the eligibility and completeness of the applications had been checked by the permanent secretariat of the technical labelling committee, twenty (20) applications were shortlisted and entered an evaluation process conducted by the said technical labelling committee. At the end of the evaluation process, fifteen (15) micro, small and medium-sized enterprises were granted the Startup Label for the next three (03) years. They are: (see annex) A label award ceremony will be organised at a later date, and the recipients will be informed in due course.

10 April· Press Release

InCyber Europe Forum 2025: Benin shares its experience in cybersecurity and digital transformation

At the head of a Beninese delegation, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, took part from 1 to 3 April 2025 in Lille (France) in the InCyber Europe Forum 2025, the largest cybersecurity event in Europe. At the heart of the discussions: digital security, systems resilience and cooperation. The Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, who took an active part in the exchanges, shared in her presentation Benin's journey in winning digital trust. She also highlighted the digital transformation drive under way in Benin, marked by strong political will and concrete results. Finally, the Minister launched an appeal for international collaboration, stressing Benin's readiness to welcome strategic partnerships to support the development of its fast-growing digital ecosystem.

12 March· Press Release

Internet governance: the Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU takes part in the ICANN Community Forum

The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, took an active part in the proceedings of the Community Forum of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), held in Seattle in the United States. The ICANN Community Forum is a key space where stakeholders in the Internet ecosystem – governments, businesses, technical organisations, civil society and users – come together to discuss the governance and development of the Internet. One of the highlights of the Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU's participation was the ministerial session organised on Sunday 09 March 2025 by Smart Africa on the challenges of Internet governance in Africa. Alongside several African decision-makers, the Minister addressed the major issues relating to Internet regulation, cybersecurity and digital inclusion on the continent. The session made it possible to explore policies and initiatives aimed at ensuring a more secure, inclusive and resilient Internet for Africa. “Internet governance is an essential tool and a major strategic issue for guaranteeing a digital sovereignty adapted to the realities of our nations. It is therefore important to adopt a concerted and proactive approach, and I welcome Smart Africa's initiatives to overcome these obstacles,” she stressed. The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation reiterated Benin's commitment to working with the various stakeholders on Internet governance.

26 February· Press Release

Call for applications for the 2025 International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI)

The Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation (MND), in collaboration with 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), announces the opening of applications for the selection of the pupils who will represent Benin at the 2025 International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). About the IOAI The International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) is the most prestigious international artificial intelligence competition for secondary school pupils. This year, the second edition will be held in Beijing, China, from 2 to 9 August 2025. The first edition, held in Burgas, Bulgaria, in August 2024, brought together 41 teams from 32 countries and territories across six continents. Eligibility requirements To take part in this world-class competition, pupils in the final three years of secondary school (seconde, première and terminale) must meet the following requirements: Have a good command of English (comprehension, writing and conversation) ; Be under 20 years of age on 02 August 2025; Have access to a computer and be able to take part in online training if selected. Selection process A pre-selection test (technical tests in English) will be held nationwide to identify the best talents, who will be trained for the competition. The test will take place online on Saturday 15 March 2025 at 10 a.m. Application period Applications are open from 24 February to 9 March 2025 online at https://bit.ly/4kdS23H Interested pupils are invited to submit their applications within the deadline. This call for applications reflects the Government of Benin's determination to promote excellence and innovation among young people, while strengthening their competitiveness on the international stage. The IOAI is a unique opportunity for Beninese pupils to distinguish themselves in the field of artificial intelligence, a key sector for the economic and technological development of our country.

1 January· Press Release

“J'aime ma langue”: a citizen initiative to bring Fon, Yoruba and Bariba into AI models

26 November· Press Release

Benin ratifies the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection

Benin's Ambassador to the Permanent Mission of Benin in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, His Excellency Hervé DJOKPE, deposited the instruments of ratification of the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. Benin thus joins the African States party to this convention, which is the African reference instrument for drawing up, on the one hand, national legislation on cybersecurity, the fight against cybercrime and the protection of personal data and, on the other, national policies and strategies to combat cybercrime. The Convention also provides a framework for cooperation between the Member States of the African Union in the fight against cybercrime, cybersecurity and the protection of personal data. Through this ratification, the Government clearly signals its firm determination to equip Benin with instruments for action and an institutional framework to ensure the security of Beninese cyberspace and the protection of personal data in the Republic of Benin.

16 October· Press Release

A+ BENIN launches production of its first Beninese drama series as the Beninese State continues its drive to showcase Benin through audiovisual media

On Thursday 10 October 2024, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, launched the filming of the series “APPARENCES” in the presence of the members of the editorial committee of the A+ BENIN channel. The first Beninese family saga, APPARENCES is a series of 100 episodes of 26 minutes created by Christiane CHABI KAO. This ambitious production stands out not only for its number of episodes, but also for its visual and artistic quality, which meets international standards. Filmed in Benin with the best local talent, the series “APPARENCES” brings a fresh and daring tone, promising to be the next big event for A+ BENIN viewers. “The production of this series illustrates the determination of the State, in collaboration with the CANAL+ Group, to invest heavily in identifying, supporting and showcasing local talent. We also wish to contribute to the development of audiovisual professions and to the promotion of local content ,” said Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU. Cléli AZOKPOTA, Director General of the A+ BENIN channel, added: “APPARENCES is set to be the must-see series on A+ BENIN, thanks to the synergy of expertise, creativity and passion driving this ambitious project.” Action, family intrigue, secrets, revelations, duplicity, romance… this brand-new series, coming very soon to A+ BENIN, the mirror of Benin, offers a fascinating journey into the world of textiles and human relationships.

15 July· Press Release

Meeting between the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation and the Secretary-General of the ITU

On Wednesday 10 July 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, met Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). On this occasion, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation presented Benin's priorities in the digital field. The two figures also discussed projects of common interest to the ITU and Benin, and considered ways of accelerating their collaboration.

21 June· Press Release

Benin officially accedes to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime

On Thursday 20 June 2024, Mr Angelo DAN, Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Benin in France, deposited the instruments of accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime at the headquarters of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. In addition, Benin acceded to the First Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime, concerning the criminalisation of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems. The Protocol extends the scope of the Convention on Cybercrime, including its substantive, procedural and international cooperation provisions, so as to also cover offences of racist or xenophobic propaganda. Benin will shortly deposit the instruments of accession to the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention, which concerns the gathering of electronic evidence and cooperation.

18 March· Press Release

Closure of the Digital Entrepreneurship component of Benin's Digital Transformation Centre (CTD)

The Digital Entrepreneurship component of Benin's Digital Transformation Centre (CTD) came to an end on 29 February, after 30 months of close collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation (MND) and with Benin's digital, entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. Funded by German cooperation through GIZ, the component helped to strengthen Beninese digital entrepreneurship, improve the management of local start-ups and raise women entrepreneurs' awareness of opportunities in the digital sector. At the project's closing workshop on 26 February 2024, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Mr Djabirou AMADOU, welcomed the quality of the support, highlighting the relevance of the interventions and of the approach. He also commended the concrete impact of the support and the progress made on the Digital Observatory, a government reform supported by the component. The head of the CTD, Mr Falk NEGRAZUS, recalled that the closure of the component did not mean the closure of the CTD, highlighting the Beninnovation project for the digitisation of public services, which will continue its activities until 2026. The results of the component include: 1,500 people and 70 businesses in the local digital economy strengthened their competitiveness through some fifty in-person activities with 50 national and international partners. 400 women entrepreneurs were reached through four interventions focusing on women and gender. 30 digital start-ups or related organisations received at least one grant to take part in a flagship event in the sector. 20 Beninese digital start-ups took part in the offline capacity-building programmes. 100 entrepreneurs and people interested in the digital sector based outside Cotonou/Calavi took part in activities organised exclusively for them in their towns. Although the project has ended, some key products remain available on the website of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, including the study “ Overview of the digital ecosystem and digital entrepreneurship in Benin ” and the Digital Entrepreneur's Guide .

18 January· Press Release

Results of experimental 5G service trials in Benin: Minister Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU meets the GSM operators

On Thursday 18 January 2024, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, led a strategic visit to two GSM operators to discuss the experimental results of 5G services. 5G represents an opportunity to accelerate the development of new applications and new e-services, and to meet the population's growing need for real-time bandwidth, as part of the Government's efforts to stimulate the country's digital development. During the meeting, the GSM operators Moov Africa Bénin and MTN Bénin shared the promising results of 5G technology trials in various settings. Performance in terms of transmission speed, reduced latency and increased capacity was at the heart of the discussions, demonstrating the potential of 5G to transform connectivity in Benin. The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation stressed that 5G is not merely a technological evolution but a driver of innovation likely to create significant economic opportunities. She encouraged close collaboration between the Government and the operators in order to fully harness the potential of 5G in developing innovative applications and smart solutions. It should be noted that the arrival of 5G in Benin will not phase out the 4G and 3G mobile standards, especially since the non-standalone 5G standard relies heavily on 4G and 3G infrastructure to deliver 5G. The rollout of 3G and 4G may continue, particularly in localities that are not covered or are covered only by 2G. These visits are part of the 5G rollout timetable in Benin. Further meetings will be held to continue monitoring the progress of trials with all operators.