Benin convenes strategic seminar to shape 2031 digital strategy

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Key stakeholders in Benin’s digital ecosystem convened in Cotonou on February 5 and 6 for a strategic seminar aimed at advancing the development of the country’s digital strategy toward 2031.

The two-day meeting was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalization, and brought together representatives from the public sector, private operators and technical partners. The seminar marked a significant step in defining Benin’s long-term digital direction.

Discussions focused on establishing a clear vision, strategic orientations and priority initiatives for the next five years, while also mobilizing and aligning all stakeholders around a shared digital agenda consistent with the country’s national development ambitions.

Opening the seminar, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalization, Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou, said the exercise formed part of a long-term strategic process anchored in the Benin 2060 ALAFIA vision, which seeks to build a prosperous and inclusive society. She stressed the importance of collective reflection in shaping the future of the digital sector, encouraging participants to contribute innovative and impactful ideas.

The forthcoming 2031 digital strategy is expected to accelerate Benin’s digital transformation, enhance economic competitiveness, improve the quality of public services and promote an inclusive digital society that ensures innovation benefits all segments of the population.

The strategic seminar represents a major milestone in the formulation of the strategy, which is being developed with technical support from the consulting firm Deloitte.