Benin

We estimate the economy grew by 4% in 2005, which was an improvement on the 2004 rate of 2.65% but below the 1999-2003 average of 5%. We anticipate growth of 4% in 2006 and 5% in... 2005-12-05

Accounting for around 5% of GDP and 70% of exports, the cotton sector is vital to the economy. Furthermore, poor farmers directly dependent on cotton income represent one third of... 2005-11-25

Despite a pledge to the contrary in July, rumours are now circulating that President Mathieu Kérékou might seek a third five-year term in 2006. Having come to power in a military... 2005-11-25

Accounting for around 5% of GDP and 70% of exports, the cotton sector is vital to the economy. Furthermore, poor farmers directly dependent on cotton income represent one third of... 2005-11-24

In early September the main opposition Democratic for Democratic Change (MDC) signalled that it would boycott the elections, expected before the end of 2005, for the newly created... 2005-09-30

On February 22, President Mathieu Kerekou joined his Nigerian counterpart, President Olusegun Obasanjo, to launch a new polio immunisation campaign. The two presidents administered... 2005-03-16

BMI View: Ongoing dependence on exports of the key commodity cotton, means the economy is vulnerable to price shocks. At present, the cotton outlook is improving, with rising prices... 2004-04-29

A new government committee has been established to co-ordinate a campaign against child trafficking, a region-wide problem which is particularly acute in Benin. As many children are... 2004-04-29

Ongoing dependence on exports of the key commodity, cotton, means the economy is vulnerable to price shocks. At present, the cotton outlook is improving, with rising prices fuelling... 2004-03-31

A new government committee has been established to co-ordinate a campaign against child trafficking, a region-wide problem which is particularly acute in Benin. As many children are... 2004-03-26