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Sub-Saharan Africa
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 that is characterised by a multiparty system, free elections, respect for human rights and an active civil society.
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 regional energy supply.
In addition to economic cooperation, the two countries have strong contacts in the cultural sphere, education, science and civil society. Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international radio broadcaster, is involved in collaborative projects with media in Benin. The German Embassy arranges scholarships and visiting professorships, and organises German language courses, music events and film presentations. In Porto Novo, German support has led to the successful restoration of the old King's Palace and 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.
Researchers from Benin are involved in a German research programme called BIOTA that supports sustainable land use and biodiversity in Africa. The Goethe Institute and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), as well as political foundations and numerous civil society and church-run organisations from Germany are active in Benin, among other things through town twinning schemes.
German Embassy
German Embassy in Cotonou
7, Avenue Jean Paul II
Cotonou
Republic of Benin
Phone: +229 / 21 31 29 67
Fax: +229 / 21 31 29 62
