Benin: economy

What is the GDP growth rate of Benin?

Benin's real GDP grew 7.5% in 2024, and the IMF estimates 8.1% for 2025 and projects 7.0% for 2026, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook. For the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) as a whole, the BCEAO puts growth at 6.2% in 2024 and an estimated 6.5% in 2025.

Benin's own quarterly and annual national accounts are compiled by the national statistics institute, INStaD, whose website returned a service-unavailable error when checked on 15 October 2026. IMF figures for the latest year are estimates and are revised in each April and October edition of the World Economic Outlook.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: Real GDP growth, Benin · BCEAO: Main indicators and policy rates

What is the inflation rate in Benin?

Consumer prices in Benin were 0.1% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the BCEAO Monthly Statistical Bulletin, August 2026. Annual inflation was -0.4% in June and 0.0% in July 2026, after averages of 1.2% in 2024 and 1.1% in 2025. The average for the eight UEMOA states was 1.3% in August.

The BCEAO compiles these figures from the harmonised consumer price index (IHPC) produced by Benin's statistics institute, using the method shared by all UEMOA members. The bulletin is published monthly, about six weeks after the reference month.

Official sources: BCEAO: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, August 2026 (PDF)

What is the interest rate in Benin?

The main policy rate for Benin, the BCEAO minimum bid rate for liquidity auctions, is 3.00%, and the marginal lending rate is 5.00%, both in force since 16 March 2026, according to the BCEAO Monthly Statistical Bulletin, August 2026. Average bank lending rates in Benin were 7.40% in August 2026, and average deposit rates 5.36%.

Benin shares the CFA franc and its central bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), with the other UEMOA states, so the policy rates apply across the union. The BCEAO Monetary Policy Committee met on 10 June and 9 September 2026. Lending rates are averages of new bank loans and vary by borrower and purpose.

Official sources: BCEAO: Main indicators and policy rates · BCEAO: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, August 2026 (PDF)

What is the GDP per capita of Benin?

Benin's GDP per person was about $1,661 in 2025, up from $1,486 in 2024, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook, which projects about $1,799 for 2026. The World Bank gives $1,658 for 2025.

These figures are in current US dollars, so they move with the CFA franc's exchange rate, which is pegged to the euro. The World Bank puts Benin's population at 14.8 million in 2025. Comparisons of living standards between countries are better made in purchasing-power-parity terms, which the IMF also publishes.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: GDP per capita, Benin · World Bank: GDP per capita, Benin

What is Benin's current account deficit?

Benin's current account deficit was 6.0% of GDP in 2024, and the IMF estimates 5.7% for 2025 and projects 5.6% for 2026, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook.

The current account covers trade in goods and services, income and transfers with the rest of the world. A deficit means Benin spends more abroad than it earns, financed by borrowing or investment from abroad. For the UEMOA as a whole, the BCEAO estimates a current account deficit of 1.0% of GDP in 2025, down from 5.7% in 2024. Detailed trade figures are compiled by the national statistics institute, INStaD.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: Current account balance, Benin · BCEAO: Main indicators

Is Benin's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Benin was 8.1% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 4.6%, and Benin placed 4th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 9th of 180.

How rich is Benin per person?

$1,658: that is GDP per person in Benin for 2025, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was $1,351, and Benin placed 22nd highest of 46. Worldwide: 151st of 180.

What is Benin's GDP per person adjusted for prices?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $4,817 in international dollars. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 22nd highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is $4,425 in international dollars. Worldwide: 149th of 179.

How much does Benin export?

The World Bank puts exports of goods and services in Benin at 17.1% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 26.1% of GDP, and Benin placed 28th highest of 38. World rank, highest first: 113th of 133.

Does Benin have a current account surplus or deficit?

The IMF puts the current account balance in Benin at -8.2% of GDP in 2023, a deficit. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: -5.1% of GDP; Benin is 30th highest of 40. World rank, highest first: 147th of 172.

What is FDI in Benin?

2.0% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in Benin for 2025, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2014, at 3.1% of GDP; its low point was 2009, at -0.2% of GDP. It is 24th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.0% of GDP. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 93rd highest.

What are bank lending rates in Benin?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2021, is 6.2%. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 8.0%; its low point was 2006, at 4.7%. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 12.3%, and Benin placed 24th highest of 26. World rank, highest first: 75th of 106.