Benin: public finances

What is the budget deficit of Benin?

Benin's general government deficit was 3.1% of GDP in 2024, and the IMF estimates 2.7% for 2025 and projects 3.3% for 2026, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook. The deficit was 4.1% of GDP in 2023.

For the union as a whole, the BCEAO estimates a deficit of 3.2% of GDP in 2025, down from 5.4% in 2024. Benin's budget laws and execution reports are published by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, whose website could not be reached from outside Benin when checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: Government net lending/borrowing, Benin · BCEAO: Main indicators

What is the public debt of Benin?

Benin's gross government debt was 60.5% of GDP in 2024, and the IMF estimates 59.3% for 2025 and projects 58.1% for 2026, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook.

Gross debt includes both domestic debt, such as Treasury bills and bonds sold on the regional market, and external debt, including Eurobonds and loans from multilateral lenders. Benin's debt management agency, the Caisse autonome d'amortissement, publishes detailed debt bulletins; its site could not be reached when checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: General government gross debt, Benin

How much does Benin pay to borrow?

Benin sold 33 billion CFA francs of three-month Treasury bills on 14 August 2026 at a weighted average yield of 3.04%, according to the BCEAO Monthly Statistical Bulletin, August 2026. In July 2026 it raised 22 billion CFA francs of three-month bills at 3.23%, and in June 3.17% for three months and 3.34% for six months.

Benin borrows short-term on the UEMOA regional market through auctions run by UMOA-Titres and the BCEAO. Bill yields track BCEAO policy rates and the demand from banks in the union. Longer-term borrowing uses bonds sold on the same market and, at times, Eurobonds on international markets.

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

What is Benin's debt to GDP ratio?

59.3% of GDP: that is general government gross debt in Benin for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 61.3% of GDP in 2023 and the low 8.4% of GDP in 2006. It is 18th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 53.0% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 77th of 185.

Does Benin's government borrow more than it raises?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in Benin at -2.7% of GDP in 2025, a deficit. The peak was 0.2% of GDP in 2007 and the low -5.6% of GDP in 2015. Sub-Saharan Africa median: -3.0% of GDP; Benin is 22nd highest of 47. Worldwide: 94th of 188.

How much does Benin's government take in?

In 2025, general government revenue in Benin was 15.9% of GDP, according to the IMF. The peak was 17.5% of GDP in 2021 and the low 11.1% of GDP in 2016. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 18.4% of GDP, and Benin placed 31st highest of 47. Worldwide: 158th of 187.

How much does Benin's government spend?

According to the IMF, general government spending in Benin was 18.6% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 20.0% of GDP in 2022 and the low 13.0% of GDP in 2006. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 20.8% of GDP; Benin is 32nd highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 161st of 186.

What is Benin's military budget as a share of GDP?

According to SIPRI, military spending in Benin was 0.9% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 0.9% of GDP in 2017 and the low 0.5% of GDP in 2020. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 1.3% of GDP, and Benin placed 32nd highest of 44. World rank, highest first: 115th of 149.