Benin has thrown down the gauntlet in its fight to curb soaring food import bills with a bold plan to transform its poultry sector. At the heart of this strategy lies the Expo Avicole, a landmark event launched in Cotonou to rally the industry around a single goal: producing 100,000 tonnes of poultry and eggs annually by 2033. This target isn’t just about feeding the nation—it’s a strategic move to plug a gaping hole in the country’s balance of payments.
The numbers tell a stark story. Beninese consumers currently devour around 100,000 tonnes of poultry meat and eggs each year, yet domestic production hovers at just 20,000 tonnes. That 80,000-tonne shortfall means billions of CFA francs are leaving the country annually to pay for imports—a financial hemorrhage that authorities are determined to stop.
From reliance to resilience: the economics behind Benin’s poultry push
Speaking at the inauguration of the Expo Avicole, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Adin Yeton Bloukounon Goubalan, framed the challenge in no uncertain terms. Every tonne of locally produced poultry isn’t just a meal on a plate; it’s a shield against currency outflows and a direct investment in Benin’s economic fabric. The message was clear: reducing import dependence isn’t just an agricultural issue—it’s a national security imperative.
The government’s roadmap, Vision Bénin Vert 2033, elevates poultry production to a pillar of macroeconomic stability. But achieving this scale demands more than government action alone. It requires a coordinated effort across the entire value chain, from feed manufacturers to processors and distributors. The state’s role is to create an enabling environment—one that attracts private capital and fosters innovation at every link in the chain.
The 2033 blueprint: scaling up, modernizing, and creating jobs
The plan isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality and sustainability. By 2033, Benin aims to not only quintuple its poultry output but also build a fully integrated industry. This means expanding hatcheries, upgrading feed mills, and investing in modern processing facilities. The social dividend is equally compelling: thousands of jobs, particularly for youth and women in rural and peri-urban areas, are expected to emerge from this industrial transformation.
Léon Anago, president of the Benin Poultry Interprofession (IAB), emphasized the sector’s untapped potential. “This expo isn’t just a trade fair—it’s a turning point,” he said. “We’re uniting producers, suppliers, veterinarians, and researchers under one roof to prove that poultry farming in Benin isn’t a subsistence activity. It’s a high-value industry with the power to drive growth.”
South-South collaboration: Morocco’s role in Benin’s poultry revolution
To fast-track progress, Benin is leveraging South-South partnerships, with Morocco emerging as a key ally. The Fédération interprofessionnelle du secteur avicole du Maroc (FISA) has provided technical and logistical support to the Expo Avicole, sharing lessons from its own successful modernization of the poultry sector.
The high-profile presence of Ahmed El Bouari, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, underscored the strategic nature of this cooperation. His delegation highlighted how Morocco’s experience in scaling up poultry production could serve as a model for Benin’s journey toward self-sufficiency. “This partnership goes beyond diplomacy,” he noted. “It’s about building shared prosperity and strengthening Africa’s food sovereignty.”
A continental domino effect?
The stakes extend far beyond Benin’s borders. As nations across Africa grapple with import dependencies and currency volatility, Cotonou’s poultry offensive could set a precedent. The challenge is monumental: scaling up production from 20,000 to 100,000 tonnes in just seven years demands unprecedented coordination, investment, and innovation. Yet, if successful, it would demonstrate that strategic agricultural policies can be the most potent shield against macroeconomic shocks for developing economies.
The countdown to 2033 has begun. For Benin, the poultry sector isn’t just about food security—it’s about economic freedom.