AGP Executive Report

Regional Energy & Trade: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, and is moving toward a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, an African EV and battery-swapping firm operating in Benin, Nigeria, Togo, Kenya, Rwanda and others, secured $215m in equity to scale its swap network, manufacturing footprint and new market entry. Cross-Border Security & Trade: Benin and Burkina Faso pledged renewed cooperation with a focus on tackling terrorism and cross-border crime, while also pushing logistics and corridor improvements tied to the Port of Cotonou. Finance & Governance: Ecobank Transnational elected Cathia Lawson-Hall to its board, adding a seasoned finance and governance profile to its leadership. Visa-Free Push: Campaigners and regional partners welcomed moves by African states to remove visa barriers for Africans, citing benefits for mobility and trade. Market Dispute in Benin: Edo State market women protested after Governor Okpebholo allegedly locked them out of the rebuilt Oba Market, disrupting trade and reigniting concerns over promises made during reconstruction. Macroeconomic Risk: S&P warns Middle East conflict could strain Africa’s energy and food systems, with Benin flagged among countries at higher risk of credit deterioration.

Electricity & Regional Trade: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration push is boosting supply and cross-border electricity trading, with 4,000+ km of transmission lines built to connect 15 countries under the West African Power Pool, and about 3 million people gaining access to electricity since 2019. EV Investment: Spiro, an African battery-swapping EV firm, secured $215m in equity to expand its swap network, manufacturing footprint and market reach; it already operates in Benin and plans further expansion into places like the DRC and Ethiopia. Sahel Diplomacy: Benin’s new president, Romuald Wadagni, visited Niger and Burkina Faso to ease tensions and restart cooperation, including steps toward reopening the Benin–Niger border and renewed security coordination against jihadist threats. Cross-Border Insurance (Brown Card): Ghana’s ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Bureau marked its 44th anniversary with road-safety support for police and a highway awareness drive tied to digital claims handling. Energy Risk for Credit: S&P warns Middle East conflict could strain Africa’s energy and food systems and worsen credit conditions, naming Benin among higher-risk countries due to import dependence. Local Business Disruption: In Benin City, Edo market women protested after being locked out of the rebuilt Oba Market, paralyzing trade and reigniting concerns over broken promises and access to trading spaces. Electricity Collection Pressure (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Discos collected N196.13bn in March against N246.43bn billed, leaving about N50.3bn uncollected, highlighting ongoing revenue and billing efficiency challenges. Agri-Food JV: Wilmar and TGI Group agreed a 50:50 joint venture combining agriculture, oil-palm, rice and branded food operations across Nigeria and Benin.

EV Investment: Spiro secured a $215m equity round to scale electric mobility across Africa, using the funds to expand its battery-swapping network, grow manufacturing/assembly, and push into new markets; it already operates in Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo and Cameroon. Regional Diplomacy: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni is resetting ties with Sahel states, visiting Niger and Burkina Faso and backing a plan to reopen the Benin–Niger border via a joint expert mechanism. Trade & Industry Deal: Wilmar and TGI Group agreed a 50:50 joint venture covering upstream agriculture through processing and distribution across Nigeria and Benin, aiming to close food production and distribution gaps. Public Sector Skills: Edo State (Nigeria) launched digital workforce training for civil servants, focusing on digital literacy and public service delivery. Energy & Business Environment: Nigeria’s Discos collected N196.13bn in March against N246.43bn billed, leaving about N50.3bn uncollected, underscoring pressure on power-sector cashflow. Security & Governance: Nigeria’s Supreme Court justice warned that democracy weakens without judicial reforms, while protests over school abductions and calls for security overhaul spread nationwide. Drug Enforcement: Edo NDLEA reported 48 arrests and 541.47kg of drugs seized in May.

Regional Diplomacy: Benin’s newly inaugurated President Romuald Wadagni made Niger and Burkina Faso his first foreign stops, signaling a thaw after Niger closed its border in 2023 over alleged “French bases,” with both sides pledging to remove obstacles to cooperation and restart border talks plus security collaboration against jihadist violence. Bilateral Trade & Security: Wadagni also met Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in Lagos to deepen economic and industrial cooperation, energy and Gulf of Guinea maritime security, and ECOWAS engagement—highlighting growing Benin-Nigeria trade and investor interest in the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured a landmark $215m equity round to expand its battery-swapping network and EV/energy infrastructure across African markets, including assembly in Benin, as investors back scalable transport solutions to cut fuel dependence. Public Finance & Development: AfDB will inject $125m into ATIDI, aiming to make it the bank’s largest shareholder and mobilize more private capital for infrastructure and development. Security & Enforcement: Edo NDLEA reported 48 drug traffickers arrested in May with 541.47kg seized, underscoring ongoing regional pressure on illicit trafficking.

Benin–Nigeria Diplomacy: Benin’s newly inaugurated President Romuald Wadagni met Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu in Lagos for talks on trade, industrial cooperation, energy and Gulf of Guinea maritime security, and ECOWAS—highlighting Benin’s exports to Nigeria rising over 90% in 2024 and growing investor interest in the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, operating in Benin and across several African markets, secured a $215m equity round to expand its battery-swapping network, manufacturing footprint and EV infrastructure, backed by Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane. Regional Health & Public Service: Benin joined a HaPSNA high-level meeting in Abidjan focused on strengthening community health systems through civil service reforms, with delegates from nine countries. US Immigration Pressure: The US confirmed plans to deport 355 West Africans and released names and photos, including one Beninese national, with returns expected across the region. ECOWAS Insurance Reminder: The ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme’s Ghana bureau urged motorists to demand certificates when buying motor insurance, noting cover activates once a policy is issued. Sports (Benin in the Mix): Benin is among 15 countries set to compete in Nigeria’s NASCO/ITF J30 junior tennis championship in Abuja starting June 2.

Benin-Nigeria Diplomacy: Benin’s newly inaugurated President Romuald Wadagni met Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in Lagos for an introductory discussion on regional cooperation and bilateral ties, underscoring Benin’s role as a key economic and security partner. Clean Transport Investment: Spiro, operating in Benin among other markets, raised $215m in equity to expand its electric mobility and battery-swapping network, aiming to scale infrastructure and manufacturing across Africa. Regional Finance Push: The AfDB said it will inject $125m into ATIDI, making it the lender’s largest shareholder and boosting efforts to mobilize private capital for infrastructure. Road Safety/Insurance: The ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme urged motorists to demand their certificates at purchase, stressing the cover activates once a policy is issued and supports cross-border accident compensation. Benin Market/Trade Gateway: Benin’s foreign minister told Yonhap the country positions itself as a stable gateway to the wider West African market, selling political stability and connectivity to attract investment. Security & Enforcement (Edo, cross-border impact): Edo State security forces arrested drug suspects in Benin City and said they will be handed to NDLEA, while separate reports flagged legal pressure around public works and governance.

Foreign Investment Pitch: Benin’s foreign minister told South Korea that Benin is positioning itself as a stable gateway for West Africa, stressing political stability, investor-friendly policies and regional connectivity as the core value proposition. Infrastructure & China Link: PowerChina says it completed in under three months the rehabilitation of Cotonou’s Congress Palace esplanade, with local firms involved, ahead of President Romuald Wadagni’s May 24 inauguration. Regional Trade & Mobility: ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance urged motorists to always collect their certificates, saying the scheme—created in Cotonou in 1982—helps protect road users and supports cross-border claims. Financial Crime Crackdown: Benin lawmakers unanimously adopted tougher reforms against fake banknotes, raising penalties for refusing valid CFA notes/coins and for counterfeiting and circulation. Digital Waste Management: The IFC highlights how digital tools can cut waste costs and improve recycling, pointing to GPS tracking, digital billing and smarter collection systems. Regional Security/Drugs (Edo): Edo’s security network arrested two suspected drug dealers in Benin City, with hard drugs seized and suspects to be handed to NDLEA. Business Climate (EV): African EV firm Spiro raised $215m to expand battery-swapping and electric mobility infrastructure across African markets.

Benin’s anti-counterfeit push: Benin lawmakers unanimously adopted tougher reforms to curb fake banknotes, raising penalties for refusing legal tender and setting prison terms of 10–20 years for counterfeiting, aiming to improve payment confidence across the CFA zone. China-backed urban upgrade in Cotonou: PowerChina finished in under three months the rehabilitation of the Congress Palace esplanade in Cotonou, including paving, utility works and access roads, with local firms participating and the site hosting President Romuald Wadagni’s May 24 inauguration. Regional integration via insurance: The ECOWAS Brown Card scheme marked its 44th anniversary and urged motorists to always collect their certificates, stressing the card’s role in cross-border accident compensation and smoother claims. Digital efficiency for waste services: An IFC report says cities and waste operators can cut costs and expand recycling by digitizing waste management, citing GPS tracking, digital billing and smart sorting as ways to reduce fuel use and collection time. Cross-border trade friction in focus (Togo): A Lomé workshop with ECOWAS and IOM highlighted how red tape, checkpoints and extortion still undermine free movement rules for traders and freight operators. Climate action through mangroves (Togo): Rotary and partners planted mangroves in Aneho to reduce flooding, erosion and storm impacts, linking the effort to renewable energy and coastal resilience.

Infrastructure & Urban Growth: PowerChina has finished in under three months the rehabilitation of the Congress Palace esplanade in Cotonou, with paving, utility works and access roads—now ready for state ceremonies. Energy & Industry: Edo State’s public hearing backed the proposed Ying Zhi Energy gas pipeline routing through Orior Community, focusing on compensation and corporate social responsibility as the project aims to boost domestic gas use and an industrial corridor. Transport & Business Climate: Residents and traders around Benin City’s Ramat Park axis praised the near-complete Ramat Park flyover for easing congestion and improving daily commerce. Financial Integrity: Benin lawmakers unanimously adopted tougher reforms against fake banknotes, raising penalties for refusing legal tender and for counterfeiting, to protect payment confidence in the CFA zone. Regional Trade & Mobility: Ghana launched an e-Visa platform and introduced zero visa fees for African passport holders, positioning faster entry as a boost for intra-Africa tourism and trade. SME Finance (Edo): Beneficiaries of Edo’s N1bn interest-free loan scheme say it is expanding traders’ and artisans’ businesses, while urging more support in the next batch.

Benin’s Monetary Integrity: Benin lawmakers have passed tougher reforms to curb fake banknotes, raising penalties for refusing to accept valid CFA notes/coins and setting prison terms of 10–20 years for counterfeiting or falsification, aiming to protect daily transactions and confidence in the currency. New Government Priorities: Benin’s newly formed cabinet has outlined a seven-year action focus, including modernising public payroll systems, strengthening pension coordination, and boosting agriculture with water-control measures and AI decision support for farmers. Regional Trade Push: Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni has signalled a renewed ECOWAS drive, meeting the ECOWAS Commission to prioritise political stability, security cooperation, and stronger trade linkages. Cross-Border Rules in Focus: Togo hosted an ECOWAS dialogue workshop on free movement and cross-border trade, tackling the gap between regional protocols and on-the-ground realities like red tape, harassment, and extortion at borders. Tourism & Travel Facilitation: Ghana launched a digital e-Visa platform and introduced zero visa fees for African passport holders, a move framed as a boost for intra-African tourism and trade under AfCFTA. Infrastructure & Commerce: Residents and traders around Benin City’s Ramat Park axis praised the near-complete Ramat Park flyover for easing congestion and improving road safety. Security & Social Strain: Edo State reported a fatal attack on a decorator during a burial decoration, while separate coverage highlights ongoing insecurity and economic hardship across the region. Business & Investment Signals: Accor is partnering with Shoreline to build a Nigeria hotel platform, targeting up to 10 branded hotels across eight cities by 2030 and creating jobs via a planned hospitality academy.

Benin’s New Government Priorities: Benin’s first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni has set a seven-year agenda focused on modernising public payroll systems, improving pension coordination, and boosting agriculture with water-control plans and AI decision support for farmers. ECOWAS Cross-Border Trade Push: In Togo, an ECOWAS-IOM workshop brought together transport operators, freight forwarders, women traders and border officials to tackle the gap between free-movement rules and on-the-ground issues like red tape, harassment and extortion. Regional Integration Diplomacy: Wadagni also signalled a renewed ECOWAS role in early talks with the ECOWAS Commission, stressing trade links, security cooperation and collective resilience. Digital Transformation Link-Up: Benin’s digital agencies moved to deepen cooperation with Nigeria’s NITDA on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance. Business & Investment Signals: Magna Tyres partners with Neemba Bénin to support construction, mining and industrial activity across West Africa, while Spiro’s acquisition of a UK engineering firm aims to build its first African R&D centre in Nairobi to strengthen local EV design capacity. Visa-Free Momentum in Africa: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 2027, joining a growing list that includes Benin and Togo, with the aim of accelerating AfCFTA trade.

Benin’s New Government Priorities: Benin’s first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni set a seven-year action agenda, including modernizing public payroll systems, improving pension coordination, and using AI and geospatial data to boost farm decisions. ECOWAS Integration Push: Wadagni also signaled a renewed diplomatic posture, meeting the ECOWAS Commission chief to prioritize trade links, security cooperation, and regional economic resilience. Digital Transformation Partnership: Benin’s NITDA/ASIN teams deepened ties with Nigeria’s NITDA on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance frameworks. Solar Finance Deal: JBIC signed a loan agreement with Benin for up to €24m to fund battery installations at solar power facilities, supported under a 2025 credit line. Regional Visa Liberalization: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 Jan 2027, joining Benin and other regional movers to ease intra-Africa travel and trade. Fuel Price Pressure in Togo: Togo raised retail fuel prices (gasoline to 725 CFA/litre) citing higher global oil costs and reduced subsidy room. Nigeria Security Snapshot: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa put Tinubu’s security performance at 65–70%, noting progress on terrorism but rising kidnapping. Hospitality Investment in Nigeria: Accor partnered with Shoreline to build Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, targeting up to 10 branded hotels by 2030. Ghana E-Visa Boost: Ghana launched an e-visa system and waived fees for African passport holders to speed up travel and support AfCFTA trade. Drug Seizure in Edo: NDLEA recovered 498kg of cannabis allegedly abandoned in an Edo shrine, with a key suspect still at large. Edo Political Dispute: APC senatorial aspirant Osagie Ize-Iyamu denied cloning a Vanguard front page and threatened legal action over the alleged publication. Food/Trade Shock Spillover: India cancelled soybean meal export contracts after domestic price spikes, redirecting trade flows toward African suppliers.

Benin’s new government priorities: In Cotonou, the first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni set a 7-year agenda focused on public payroll modernization, pension payment coordination, and using geospatial and AI tools to boost agriculture. Regional integration push: Wadagni also met the ECOWAS Commission chief to signal renewed focus on trade links, security cooperation, and deeper West African integration. Digital transformation ties: Benin’s digital agencies moved to deepen cooperation with Nigeria’s NITDA on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance. Energy & investment: Separate coverage highlights financing for solar battery storage and Nigeria’s CNG push in Edo—both underscoring how West Africa’s energy transition is becoming a business priority. Cross-border trade pressure: A report notes Benin’s role in Niger’s oil export route via a pipeline to the coast, showing how regional energy deals can reshape local economies. Security & governance: Edo saw arrests of suspected kidnappers after victim identifications, while Eid-related crowd chaos in Edo raised questions on event safety and emergency response. Education & youth: Benin-linked science leadership news and youth diplomacy forums point to growing investment in research, mentorship, and skills.

Benin Government Priorities: Benin’s newly formed first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni set out a seven-year implementation focus, including modernising public payroll systems, improving pension coordination, and using geospatial and meteorological data plus AI to boost agriculture decision-making. Regional Integration Push: Wadagni also signalled a renewed ECOWAS reset, meeting the ECOWAS Commission president to prioritise political stability, security cooperation, and trade-linked economic resilience. Digital Transformation Partnership: Benin’s digital agencies deepened ties with Nigeria’s NITDA on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance. Solar Finance Deal: JBIC signed a loan agreement with Benin for up to €24m to fund battery installation at solar power facilities. Education & Youth: Benin’s business ecosystem also intersects with youth development, as local initiatives and mentorship platforms continue to gain traction across the region.

Benin’s ECOWAS reset: President Romuald Wadagni met ECOWAS Commission boss Omar Alieu Touray at the Presidential Palace, pledging deeper regional integration on trade, security cooperation and economic resilience. Digital transformation ties: Benin’s NITDA and Nigeria’s digital agency deepened cooperation on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance during a Abuja visit. Solar finance for Benin: JBIC signed a loan deal of up to €24m to fund battery installation at Benin solar power facilities, supported under a 2025 credit line. Energy & transport push: Edo State inaugurated a CNG conversion hub and auto hub in Benin City, with officials linking it to lower transport costs, jobs and gas-driven industrial growth. Ports and trade costs: Importers say they’re shifting cargo from Nigeria to Benin, Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso as shipping and terminal charges rise, hitting clearance costs and refunds. Visa-free momentum: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 2027, joining Benin and Togo in easing intra-Africa travel. Youth and entrepreneurship: Omenife Foundation launched a mentorship and entrepreneurial guidance platform for young people, while African Youth Day 2026 in Moscow rolled out cooperation programmes.

Benin’s new government takes office: In Cotonou, members of President Romuald Wadagni’s first government officially assumed duties, with the new economy and finance minister, Aristide Medenou, prioritizing budget discipline, macroeconomic stability, and growth that reaches everyday citizens. Energy & jobs push: Nigeria’s gas agenda spilled into Benin/Edo as Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo backed the Diverse Autocare Hub and CNG Conversion Centre, framing CNG as a way to cut transport costs and create skills and jobs. Solar storage finance: JBIC signed a loan agreement with Benin for up to €24m to fund battery installation at solar power facilities, under a July 2025 credit line. Trade pressure on ports: Importers say Nigerian port charges are pushing cargo to Benin, Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso, citing higher tariffs and terminal costs (with Benin clearing costs far below Apapa). Security in Edo markets: Police arrested three suspected kidnappers in Edo after victims identified them at Jattu Market, following an abduction earlier in May. Regional mobility: Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 2027, joining a growing list that includes Togo and Benin. Education access: NABTEB extended registration for Nigeria’s 2026 technical colleges common entrance exam and shifted the exam date to June 13.