Since February 17, 2020, starting a business in Benin has become just a click away. Thanks to the digital platform MONENTREPRISE.BJ, entrepreneurs can complete all administrative procedures online without physically visiting the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx). An internet connection, a smartphone, or a computer is all it takes to get started.
Bergedor HADJIHOU
Chantal Fassinou, the owner of a clothing store in Cotonou, was able to create her business online in just three hours, receiving approval and the necessary legal documents. She testifies: « Without this online creation option, if I had to go there, wait in line, and deal with complex administrative procedures, I wouldn’t have taken the step so easily. I would have remained in the informal sector. » Emmel Cossi Avohou, a graphic designer in the commune of Abomey-Calavi, 17 kilometers from the economic capital, completed all his procedures online, from registering his business to obtaining a tax identification number: « Registering a business online has many advantages today. You no longer have to go to the Agency where people might tell you there’s no internet, they’re not working today, or ask for a bribe to speed up your file. You can do it quietly at home. The launch of this platform is very beneficial. »
In a national context dominated by the informal sector, this reform is a boon for small businesses to regularize their status. The platform has allowed thousands of small businesses to emerge, particularly sole proprietorships. « In my opinion, this type of business benefits the most from this reform, » says legal consultant Elie Adjogou. In March 2024 alone, a total of 422 businesses were created in Benin, 89.67% of which were sole proprietorships and 10.33% corporations. In 2022, women represented 33% of the 56,579 new businesses created in Benin via the platform, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Before the reform, economic actors faced enormous difficulties in business creation procedures in Benin. It often took several weeks or even months to complete the process, with all the associated hassles. « Entrepreneurs had to submit a physical file with documents like a criminal record, which took weeks to obtain. Today, it is possible to compile a file online without necessarily providing a criminal record, as a sworn declaration is sufficient. Naturally, corruption and bribery were inevitable if you wanted your file processed quickly, » recalls Elie Erisse Adjogou.
For modifications to the Commercial and Movable Credit Register (RCCM), entrepreneurs faced the same issues as during business creation. However, with digitization and simplification, all modification procedures are now done online without intermediaries, including fee payments.
Now, depending on the type of business, it is possible to receive all administrative documents by email. In December 2024, Aurelie Adam Soulé Zoumarou, Minister of Digitalization, stated: « Almost all administrative services are digitized or in the process of being digitized, including business creation, identity card applications, and financial report tracking. »
Although the platform has transformed the entrepreneurial landscape, challenges remain.
Obstacles to Overcome
Entrepreneurs in the most remote areas can now access the platform to complete administrative procedures without traveling. A simple internet connection is enough to finalize everything. However, the high cost of high-speed internet, combined with network instability, remains a major barrier to business competitiveness.
Benin ranks as the 8th most expensive country for internet within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), according to a 2022 report by the London-based firm Cable Co on global mobile data pricing. The average internet price in the country is $2.27 per gigabyte, equivalent to over 1,300 CFA francs.
Moreover, some procedures are still not accessible online, such as opening bank accounts. Businesses subject to complex procedures must seek professional service providers. Dematerialization is not yet complete for these types of businesses: « For certain companies, such as joint-stock corporations, procedures can only be carried out by professionals, particularly notaries, » notes Elie Erisse Adjogou.
Finally, the low level of digital literacy remains a barrier. « Many users still struggle to use the platform, » he points out. Efforts are still needed to strengthen training and improve access to affordable internet connections.
