The Federal Republic of Germany has maintained uninterrupted diplomatic relations with Benin since 1962, with the focus on development cooperation.

German support is held in high regard in Benin. The current portfolio of German development cooperation is worth around 450 million euro.

Bilateral cooperation is carried out in line with the ongoing Government Action Programme PAG II (2021-2026) and the National Development Plan (2018-2025). Its priorities include the reform of public finances and the digitalisation of state services; sustainable economic development, training and employment; water supply and sanitation as well as the protection of biosphere reserves; and the expansion of renewable energies.

Trade with Germany continues to be at a low level. In 2022, trade volume was 58.6 million euro, primarily German exports to Benin.

Germany’s private sector has a majority holding in the local company CIMBENIN through a Norwegian subsidiary of HeidelbergCement. DHL has also been operating in Benin since 1984.