Benin and Cuba have agreed to breathe new life into their economic and commercial relationship, following a high-level diplomatic meeting in Cotonou. The talks brought together Cuba’s ambassador, Denisse Amaro Salabarría, and leaders of Benin’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Benin), where both sides confirmed a shared commitment to deepening trade and investment links.
A partnership rooted in shared history
The ties between Benin and Cuba stretch back decades, built on cultural affinity and a tradition of South-South solidarity. On the institutional side, the current push builds on a framework agreement signed in 2002 between the two countries’ chambers of commerce. With global economic conditions shifting, Cotonou and Havana now aim to modernize that bilateral track and turn it into a practical engine for growth.
Priority sectors for joint ventures
During the discussions, Cuban officials highlighted recent economic reforms on the island, which they said open new doors for Beninese investors and entrepreneurs. Four sectors were identified as priorities for future partnerships:
- Agro-industry and food production
- Renewable energy
- Tourism and cultural engineering
- Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, areas where Cuba has world-class expertise
To move these ambitions forward, Beninese companies were invited to take part in the Havana International Fair (FIHAV), a major trade gathering for the Caribbean region.
Benin positions itself as a West African gateway
For its part, the CCI Benin delegation stressed the country’s geostrategic advantage as a logistics and commercial hub in West Africa. Pointing to ongoing upgrades at the Port of Cotonou, the Beninese side urged Cuban operators to use Benin as an entry point to West African markets.
The meeting sets the stage for a roadmap focused on regularly monitoring the commitments made, marking the effective relaunch of a historic partnership with an eye on the future.
