Benin Investment and Export Facilitation Project

The Benin Investment and Export Facilitation Project strengthens digital public services for businesses by deploying a dedicated online single window to simplify investment and export-related procedures.

Implemented by the Agence de Promotion des Investissements et des Exportations (APIEx), with technical support from UNCTAD and funding from the Government of the Netherlands, the project extends the success of MonEntreprise.bj to a new platform:  https://guichet.investbenin.bj

This initiative complements a broader national strategy to digitalize the public administration and support private sector growth, with special attention to women entrepreneurs.

This digital gateway marks a major leap in Benin’s digital governance and positions the country among the leaders in online investment facilitation in Africa. A strong foundation has now been laid for an inclusive, service-oriented, and smart public administration.

Project timeline July 2023 - May 2025

Key training events N/A

System link guichet.investbenin.bj

What the project delivers

A dedicated eRegistrations-based online single window for investment and export services.
End-to-end online procedures including:
- Investment code approvals
- Special Economic Zone authorizations
- Export support and customs duty exemptions for SMEs
- Online applications for export certification subsidies (PACOFIDE)
Fully digital processes with no physical visits required
Real-time progress tracking, secure e-certificates, and QR authentication
Integration of an electronic registry and data-sharing with external institutions

Key benefits

Reduces administrative burdens and improves investor confidence

Improves transparency and reduces delays through automated workflows

Enables data-driven policy through real-time service statistics and analytics

Strengthens institutional capacity through structured training and co-development

Offers long-term sustainability with APIEx ownership of the platform and data