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Benin

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Benin. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Porto-Novo

Head of State

President Patrice Talon

Head of Government

Prime Minister Patrice Talon

Workers collect cotton in a field in Soclogbo, Benin, on January 13, 2025. Photo: AFP

China-Africa relations

China and Africa’s evolving partnership

From funding vital infrastructure and industrial growth to a growing wave of cultural exchange, ties between Beijing and Africa are entering a new phase. In this ongoing series, we explore the deepening economic, cultural and diplomatic relations between China and African countries.

26 Jun 2026 - 12:01PM

China-Africa relations

How Benin is on the road to reshaping its cotton industry, with China’s help

21 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

China-Africa relations

China is transforming historic African slave port into waterfront tourism magnet

6 Jun 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

China-Africa relations

How China will play a major role in Benin’s economic growth as a new era begins

African nation’s new president is banking on Chinese investment to help fix its infrastructure gap with large-scale construction projects.

31 May 2026 - 4:15PM

China Harbour Engineering Company is building two 100,000-tonne general purpose berths at Benin’s Autonomous Port of Cotonou. Photo: Handout

Africa

Vigilantes in Nigeria kill herders amid jihadist tensions, kidnapping gangs

Central and northwestern Nigeria have for years been terrorised by cattle rustling and kidnapping-for-ransom gangs working with local jihadists.

3 May 2026 - 9:06PM

Africa

Benin election favours continuity amid al-Qaeda attacks, poverty

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni has overseen a decade of growth in the West African nation despite jihadist attacks and extreme poverty.

12 Apr 2026 - 5:35PM

Crime

France convicts Chinese captain of oil tanker linked to Russian shadow fleet

Chen Zhangjie, who is currently at sea, was jailed for a year in absentia. The Borocay was thought to be transporting Russian oil to India.

31 Mar 2026 - 2:08AM

The tanker Borocay, believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, off the coast of the French port of Saint-Nazaire in October. Photo: AFP

China-Africa relations

Why Beijing’s US$4.5 billion Niger-Benin oil pipeline is under fire from rebels

Chinese nationals warned to avoid high-risk areas after infrastructure becomes a primary target for rebels seeking to halt military junta.

27 Feb 2026 - 6:30PMvideocam

Africa

Islamic State claims bold attack on Niger’s strategic airport hub

Islamic State militants claim a coordinated raid on Niamey’s airport, targeting a strategic hub hosting uranium and regional military bases.

31 Jan 2026 - 12:32AM

Africa

Niger’s junta accuses foreign leaders of sponsoring airport attack

Niger’s military ruler vows retaliation after gunmen attack an air force base before being repelled by Russian fighters.

30 Jan 2026 - 2:29PM

A satellite image shows roadblocks at the entrance of Diori Hamani International Airport. Photo: Vantor via Reuters

China-Africa relations

How will China respond to latest West Africa coup as economic footprint expands?

Ouster of Guinea-Bissau leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo has sparked political instability fears, raising stakes for Chinese economic interests.

14 Dec 2025 - 6:35PMvideocam

Then president of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Chinese ambassador Yang Renhuo inspect China-donated airport security equipment, in the capital Bissau on November 21. Embalo was ousted in a military coup days later. Photo: Xinhua

China-Africa relations

‘Concrete symbols’: China-built Ecowas HQ latest infrastructure gift to Africa

Beijing’s strategy to project influence through gifting prestigious presidential palaces and parliamentary buildings labelled ‘unique’.

13 Dec 2025 - 5:53PMvideocam

Africa

Benin hunts leader behind short-lived coup that left casualties on both sides

Authorities in the west African country confirm arrests were made and hostages released, but apparent coup leader remained at large.

9 Dec 2025 - 3:47PM

Africa

Benin president says coup bid thwarted as neighbour Nigeria intervenes

Coup attempt in Benin was the latest in a string of military takeovers and attempted takeovers that have rocked West Africa.

8 Dec 2025 - 4:07PM

Soldiers patrol in front of the headquarters of Benin’s radio and television station after the country’s armed forces thwarted the attempted coup. Photo: Reuters

China-Africa relations

China key to solving Niger-Benin tensions – so oil pipeline can start pumping

China has invested billions in Niger’s oil industry. Now it must solve a political spat if it wants to see any money back.

13 Jul 2024 - 1:00PMvideocam

After years of building, the Niger-Benin oil pipeline is now at a standstill while various political crises play out. Photo: AFP