Benin's digital progress hinges on the need for patience, collaboration, and the involvement of individuals.
In a commendable stride towards modernisation, the West African nation of Benin has embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation journey. The government's ambitious strategy, centred around building a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), aims to integrate infrastructure, a national digital ID system, platform interoperability, and inclusive access to services.
At the heart of this transformation is the implementation of a digital ID system, which facilitates access to public services at scale. This system merges biometric data and demographic information into a unified registry, connecting with over 80 public and private institutions, including banks and telecom operators. The system, inspired by Estonia's X-Road, enables secure and seamless data exchange across government agencies and service providers.
The legal and institutional foundations for this transformation are strong. In 2017, Benin enacted the Identification Law, creating a legal framework for digital identity that includes a unique personal identifier for every individual, including citizens abroad and foreign residents. A National Agency for the Identification of Persons coordinates the system, enabling rapid enrollment of over 10 million people within six months. Additional laws ensure inclusivity by providing legal identity to those with irregular or no birth certificates.
To further enhance inclusivity, Benin plans to launch a blockchain-based mobile digital wallet by the end of 2026. This wallet will integrate with the national digital ID ecosystem, making digital services more accessible and secure. The wallet's focus on security and privacy reflects the strategy's commitment to ensuring citizens' personal data remains protected throughout the digital ecosystem.
The government's focus extends beyond the digital sphere, with significant investments in human capital and fibre infrastructure. Benin has made significant progress in digital transformation, boasting a strong national fiber optic network and heavy investment in human capital.
Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou, Benin's Minister of Digital Economy, has outlined the philosophy behind Semé City, Benin's flagship innovation hub. Semé City is a comprehensive program for startups, providing training, access to talent, mentorship, and virtual platforms for startups to showcase their work.
Across the country, several digital innovation hubs are backed by the API-An and the Ministry of Digital Development, focusing on ICT, skills training, and startup acceleration. The government also supports visibility and collaboration with ecosystems in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
In a move to encourage investment in startups, the government has passed legislation to identify and "label" high-potential startups based on their innovation or business model, serving as a signal to investors. The government is investing in startups because they see potential and are de-risking these businesses.
The ministerial panel emphasised that Benin's digital transformation focuses on execution, not just design. Global venture capital is encouraged to come with patience, context, and a willingness to build alongside Benin's startups.
On a separate note, Moonshot, a website-based event, is returning to Lagos on October 15-16. The event offers an opportunity to join Africa's top founders, creatives, and tech leaders. Early bird tickets for Moonshot are currently 20% off.
In conclusion, Benin's digital transformation strategy is a testament to the country's forward-thinking approach. By combining legal reform, technology adoption, interoperability modeled on successful examples, and strong government commitment, Benin is creating a scalable, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem that transforms public service delivery and citizen engagement. Citizens in Benin can now access government services from anywhere due to the country's digital transformation efforts.
- The digital ID system in Benin, inspired by Estonia's X-Road, connects with over 80 public and private institutions, including banks and telecom operators, enabling secure and seamless data exchange across government agencies and service providers.
- To further enhance inclusivity, Benin plans to launch a blockchain-based mobile digital wallet by the end of 2026, integrating with the national digital ID ecosystem and making digital services more accessible and secure.
- In a move to encourage investment in startups, the government has passed legislation to identify and "label" high-potential startups based on their innovation or business model, serving as a signal to investors who see potential and are de-risking these businesses.
- Global venture capital is encouraged to come with patience, context, and a willingness to build alongside Benin's startups, as Benin's digital transformation strategy focuses on execution, not just design.
