Social situation Widespread extreme poverty

Even though the government is committed to reform, social expenditure has increased and international donors have supported the country, Benin has not yet managed to significantly reduce poverty in the last few years. Nearly 40 per cent of its people live below the national poverty line. The high rate of population growth (2.7 per cent in 2022) is hampering progress in this field. More than 40 per cent of the people are under the age of 15.

Informal settlement in Cotonou

Informal settlement in Cotonou

Informal settlement in Cotonou

The fertility rate for women in Benin is 4.8 (2023 data from UNFPA) – one of the highest rates in the world. Only 32 per cent of Benin's women of reproductive age have access to the family planning they want (UNICEF data, 2022). The government has now started a national dialogue on population policy.

Further major challenges are the uneven distribution of income (Gini index of 37.8) and the renewed increase in malnutrition. According to World Bank data, the prevalence of stunting among under-five-year-olds was over 30 per cent in 2022.

Significant progress has been made on infant and child health, but under-five mortality is still over 80 out of 1,000. Life expectancy in Benin is 60 years.

In January 2019, the government presented its national development plan for the period up to 2025. The goals defined in the plan include improved provision of electricity and safe drinking water. According to the government, 42 per cent of the people had access to electricity in 2021. However, the rate in rural areas is only one in five. Access to at least basic drinking water supply is available to about one fourth of the people. Only about 20 per cent have access to basic sanitation.


Progress on education

One of the major challenges facing the government is the improvement of the education system. More than 50 per cent of Benin's people are illiterate. Since primary schooling was made free of charge, enrolment rates have increased significantly and now stand at 97 per cent. However, some 30 per cent of children drop out of primary school, with girls disproportionately likely not to finish their primary schooling.

The Government of Benin is working actively to develop the education system, especially for vocational training. At the request of the government, several donors are supporting the related reforms, including Germany. The BMZ is providing assistance for activities to improve the quality and relevance of vocational training, including in the country's poorer north (see also Core area “Sustainable economic development, training and employment”)

As at: 08/02/2024