Benin is moving into the final phase of its effort to build a new tourism and cultural economy, with several large-scale projects expected to begin operations from 2027, according to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts, Jean-Michel Abimbola.
Speaking recently before the National Assembly, Abimbola said planned spending for the sector in 2026 stands at CFA37.9 billion, down from CFA78 billion in 2025.
He explained that the reduction reflects the completion of major infrastructure projects initiated in recent years and does not indicate a retreat from the government’s long-term ambitions, as seen on Ecofin Agency.
Since 2016, the state has mobilised about CFA1,250 billion to implement its tourism, culture and arts policy, funding projects across multiple regions. The minister said sites currently under construction are scheduled for delivery and commissioning between 2027 and 2028.
Among the flagship investments is a network of modern museums designed to anchor Benin’s cultural offering, including the Museum of the Memory of Slavery in Ouidah, the MIV museum in Porto-Novo, MuRAD in Abomey and MIME in Ouidah.
The strategy also focuses on developing seaside tourism in Avlékété and positioning Ganvié as a leading eco-tourism destination.
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Infrastructure upgrades are also underway at Cotonou airport, with capacity expected to rise to 1.5 million passengers per year in the near term. In addition, Benin has begun tapping into the cruise tourism market.
In 2025, several cruise liners docked at the port of Cotonou, bringing hundreds of visitors through organised excursions, a segment authorities see as an important channel for international visibility.
Cultural events have become a core component of the tourism drive. Vodun Days attracted 435,000 visitors in 2025, up sharply from 97,000 in 2024. Other recurring events include Fashion Month, the Mask Festival and Cotonou Artistic Nights, alongside We Love Eya, a large-scale music event introduced to expand the tourism calendar and audience.
Although comprehensive tourism data remain limited, local media report a steady increase in visitor arrivals. Official projections target two million tourists annually by 2030.
Despite the lower overall budget for 2026, investment spending will remain dominant, accounting for 72.88% of planned resources, or CFA27.6 billion. Operating expenditure is set at CFA10.27 billion, up 16.32%, with an emphasis on supporting national cultural and artistic institutions.
Benin aims to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from 6% to 13.4% by 2030, as outlined in the 2025–29 Strategic Plan adopted in June.
The next phase will focus on ensuring completed projects are economically viable and sustainable, with authorities noting that the failed coup attempt of December 7, 2025 highlighted the importance of political stability in a sector closely tied to international confidence and perception.
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Image Credit: Mappr
