Bénin launches first national open government action plan
Cotonou — Nearly 18 months after joining the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Bénin has taken a decisive step toward implementing its inaugural National Action Plan with a five-day workshop held in Cotonou from July 27 to 31, 2026.
The intensive sessions brought together public administration officials, representatives from national institutions, civil society leaders, private sector actors, technical and financial partners, and media professionals. The primary goal was to deepen participants’ understanding of OGP principles while laying the groundwork for a collaborative approach to drafting Benin’s first action plan.
Building on transparency and citizen engagement
Victorin Honvoh, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Budget and Public Service, opened the workshop by framing the OGP membership as a natural extension of ongoing government reforms. He highlighted key priorities including transparency in public finances, accountability in governance, improved access to information, corruption prevention, and enhanced civic participation.
Honvoh emphasized that success would hinge on sustained dialogue between government bodies and non-state stakeholders. He urged participants to develop concrete proposals that reflect the true spirit of open governance.
Mireille Hortense Codjovi, Director of the Open Budget Unit and National OGP Focal Point, described the workshop as a preparatory phase before nationwide consultations across Bénin’s twelve departments. These grassroots discussions aim to gather citizen priorities, which will then be analyzed, prioritized, and integrated into the draft National Action Plan.
From principles to measurable commitments
Jean-Pierre Degue, Vice President of the OGP Technical Committee, reminded attendees that the partnership unites countries committed to strengthening public sector transparency, citizen participation, and institutional accountability. He noted Bénin already possesses notable achievements in budget transparency and civic engagement but stressed the need to convert these into tangible, measurable commitments under the OGP framework.
International governance expert Gustavo Pérez Ara reinforced this perspective by outlining the OGP’s three core pillars: citizen participation, transparency, and accountability. He praised the existing collaboration between Beninese authorities and civil society as a solid foundation for future progress.
The workshop, chaired by Chabi Kassim Taba of the Court of Auditors, allowed participants to explore practical ways to embed open government principles into public institutions’ daily operations. Outcomes from this session—combined with input from the upcoming departmental consultations—will shape the final version of Bénin’s first OGP National Action Plan.
Strategic partnerships driving reform
The initiative is supported by key development partners including the PAGOF2 program by Expertise France, GIZ, the Swiss Cooperation, UNICEF, and the European Union. These organizations are providing technical and financial backing to ensure the process meets international standards while addressing local needs.