Benin

Relations between the Republic of Benin – known as Dahomey until 1975 – and Germany were established in 1960, when the West African country gained its independence. Since the end of dictatorship in 1990, these relations have been very good. An ongoing process of reform in Benin has facilitated the development of a stable democracy in the country.

Germany is one of the country’s most important donors as regards bilateral development cooperation, but is also involved in programmes in Benin supported by the European Union and the international community.

Benin and Germany have agreed to cooperate in three priority areas: decentralisation and municipal development; environmental protection and the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources; and integrated management of water resources, provision of drinking water, and sanitation. In addition to these three priority areas, Germany is also supporting activities in the areas of basic education, HIV/AIDS prevention and energy supply.

In addition to economic cooperation, the two countries have strong contacts in the cultural sphere. Indeed, 1987 saw the conclusion of a cultural agreement. Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international radio broadcaster, is involved in collaborative projects with media in Benin. The German Embassy fosters cultural relations by arranging scholarships and visiting professorships, and organising German language courses, music events and film presentations. In Porto Novo, German support has led to the successful restoration of the Honme Museum of History and Ethnography. Germany provides support for the international documentary film festival "Lagunimages", which takes place once a year in Cotonou. Research is another sphere in which cooperation occurs: the German freshwater research project "IMPETUS", for example, has been based in Benin since 2000. In addition, scientists from Benin are involved in the German research programme "BIOTA", whose aim is to support the sustainable use and conservation of Africa’s biodiversity.

For many years, INTACT – a German non-governmental organisation – has worked with local partners to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in West Africa. Benin is the first country in the region to have officially abolished the practice. Germany’s Development Minister, Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, took part in the national celebrations marking the end of the tradition of female circumcision that were held in the northern town of Natitingou in April 2005.

• Situation and cooperation

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