Benin and Cuba have taken a concrete step to revive their long-standing economic partnership. In a diplomatic meeting held in Cotonou between Cuba’s ambassador, Denisse Amaro Salabarría, and leaders of the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Benin), the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to actively boost trade and economic exchanges.
A partnership rooted in history
The ties between Benin and Cuba rest on decades of friendship, marked by deep cultural convergence and consistent South-South solidarity. On the institutional side, this economic momentum builds on a framework agreement signed in 2002 between the two chambers of commerce. Now, faced with shifting global conditions, Cotonou and Havana aim to modernise this bilateral axis and turn it into a tangible driver of growth.
Mutual sector opportunities
During the discussions, Cuban diplomats highlighted recent economic reforms adopted on the Caribbean island, opening new doors for Beninese investors and entrepreneurs. Several priority sectors were identified for future partnerships:
- Agro-industry and food production
- Renewable energy
- Tourism and cultural engineering
- Biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry, where Cuba has world-renowned expertise
To turn these ambitions into reality, Beninese companies were invited to take part in the Havana International Fair (FIHAV), a major commercial hub for the Caribbean region.
Benin as a strategic gateway to West Africa
For its part, the CCI Benin delegation stressed the country’s geostrategic position as an essential logistics and commercial platform in the West African sub-region. Highlighting the ongoing modernisation of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, the Beninese side invited Cuban economic operators to use Benin as an entry point to West African markets.
This meeting marks the starting point of a roadmap focused on regular follow-up of commitments made, sealing the effective relaunch of a historic partnership geared towards the future.
