Benin sits on the Gulf of Guinea and mixes deep history with fast-moving change. From the Royal Palaces of Abomey — a UNESCO site — to the voodoo traditions of Ouidah, the country draws attention beyond its size. At the same time, everyday life, politics and business evolve quickly and our Benin tag keeps track of those changes.
Use this page to find timely reports on local politics, development projects, trade, culture and sport. We highlight stories that matter to people in Cotonou, Porto-Novo and smaller towns across the country. You will also see analysis on regional issues like border trade with Nigeria, port activity and West African politics.
Benin's politics combine local debates and regional influence. Coverage here focuses on election cycles, government reforms, public services and how policy affects farmers and traders. You will find stories on cotton and agriculture, small business growth, infrastructure projects and the role of the Port of Cotonou in West African trade. Where possible we explain what numbers and policy moves mean for jobs, transport and prices at the market.
Benin is full of places worth visiting and traditions worth learning about. Read festival guides for Ouidah and Cotonou, find tips for visiting Ganvie’s lake village and Pendjari National Park, and short pieces on food and crafts. On sport we cover the national team, local leagues and talented players who move to bigger clubs in Africa and Europe. Expect match reports, youth development stories and how sports tie into community life.
We also run explainers to help non-locals understand Benin’s history, languages like Fon and Yoruba, and everyday customs.
Business watchers will find practical info: the West African CFA franc is used across Benin, and small traders rely on cross-border supply chains with Nigeria. We cover investment news like new roads, energy projects and telecom growth, and explain how these projects affect local prices and jobs.
Travel tips: bring francs or use ATMs in big towns, expect French to be the main language in official settings, and plan for the dry season between November and February for easier travel. Respect local customs at markets and religious sites; ask before taking photos and dress modestly in rural areas.
Our reporting draws on local interviews, official statements and field visits, so you get facts and human context, not just press releases. If you want regular updates, bookmark this tag and check back for breaking news and analysis from across the country. Share tips or story ideas with our reporters — local voices help shape better coverage.
We publish short quick reads and deeper features so you can pick what fits your time. Follow the Benin tag for live updates on elections, markets, festivals and football. Got a tip from Benin? Send it to our newsroom or tag us on social media — we'll follow up.
Bookmark this page and sign up for alerts to get fast updates on politics, markets, culture and sports in Benin. We aim to be clear, fair and timely in reporting.
Preview of the FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Benin and Nigeria, including kick-off time, TV channels, and squad updates. This match is a critical opportunity for Nigeria, who are currently fifth in Group C, to secure their first win and climb up the standings.
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