Benin’s digital governance leadership shines at cafrad forum in Rabat

Rabat, Morocco, hosted the 17th Pan-African Ministerial Forum of CAFRAD on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Ahead of the 61st session of the Board of Directors, Benin’s Minister of Budget and Public Service, Rodrigue Chaou, presented his nation’s forward-thinking vision. Through comprehensive digitalization of services and impactful structural reforms, Cotonou is establishing itself as a prime example of modern governance, determined to transform its public administration into a powerful engine for economic growth and a leader in governance Africa.

a strategic summit for africa’s public service future

This high-level gathering convened in the Moroccan capital, a historic nexus for South-South cooperation. Since its inception in 1964, the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) has served as the authoritative intergovernmental body dedicated to reimagining the continent’s state structures.

This year, the forum tackled a significant challenge, focusing its theme on leadership as a crucial catalyst for guiding public action within a VICA(P)D context. This intricate acronym describes a tangible reality: administrations must now navigate a world marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, alongside profound shifts brought about by digital transformation.

For Benin, represented by Mr. Rodrigue Chaou, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Budget and Public Service, this meeting transcended mere diplomatic formality. It offered a vital opportunity to benchmark national reforms against continental best practices and to reaffirm a clear ambition: to position public administration as a key driver of economic competitiveness, influencing African politics across the continent.

navigating the storm: new paradigms for public leadership

The proceedings, which brought together ministers, international experts, and senior officials, centered on two pivotal theoretical and practical presentations.

The first address, delivered by Dr. Dieudonné Assouvi, CAFRAD’s Director General, outlined the profile of tomorrow’s public manager. In an unstable environment, rigid, hierarchical bureaucratic methods have proven inadequate. Dr. Assouvi advocated for agile leadership, capable of anticipating economic crises and responding in real-time to ensure the continuity of state functions.

The second intervention, led by Professor Sehl Mellouli from Laval University in Canada, delved into contemporary concerns by connecting political leadership with digital sovereignty. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and sovereign cloud solutions, the technological independence of African states is no longer optional but an essential prerequisite for national security and economic attractiveness, impacting all of society Africa.

Benin’s winning bet: the economic impact of digitalization

« A modern administration is not merely a tool for political prestige; it is the primary partner for private investment and wealth creation. »

During the ministerial session dedicated to experience sharing, the Beninese delegation effectively showcased its remarkable progress. For several years, Benin has pursued an aggressive digitization of its public services. This strategy is founded on the deep conviction that simplifying administrative procedures drastically reduces transaction costs for businesses and sustainably improves the business climate.

Benin notably shared its successful journey in the dematerialization of fiscal procedures. By simplifying and digitizing tax collection and customs formalities, the nation secures its public revenues while simultaneously eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously hindered economic operators.

In the same vein, the implementation of a single window for business creation now allows for the establishment of a legal entity online in just a few hours. This streamlined process stimulates youth entrepreneurship and attracts foreign direct investment. Furthermore, the transparency fostered by digitization limits physical interactions between users and agents through online platforms, thereby reducing corruption risks and bolstering citizens’ trust in their institutions, a testament to robust governance Africa.

a resilient administration serving its citizens

Beyond macroeconomic productivity gains, the administrative modernization championed by Benin aims for a direct positive impact on the daily lives of its population. During discussions in Rabat, the critical issue of digital inclusion was extensively debated, underscoring that digital transformation must not exclude society’s most vulnerable segments.

For the Beninese government, digitization is complemented by an active policy of decentralization and enhanced access to essential services. Whether for obtaining civil status records, criminal records, or identity documents, the reduction in administrative processing times helps reintegrate citizens into the formal economy and guarantees equal opportunities across the entire territory, from urban centers to the most remote regions, improving society Africa as a whole.

looking ahead to cafrad’s 61st board session

With the Ministerial Forum concluded, delegations are already setting their sights on the 61st session of the institution’s Board of Directors. For Minister Rodrigue Chaou and his counterparts, the challenge now lies in translating the strategic directions discussed into actionable operational roadmaps.

Member states will specifically focus on reviewing CAFRAD’s activity report, defining future training programs for high-ranking African executives, and strengthening South-South cooperation in administrative engineering.

By actively participating in these decision-making bodies, Benin demonstrates that it does not merely adopt governance models but actively contributes to the co-creation of the 21st-century African administration. This sends a powerful signal to development partners and international markets: in Cotonou, the state is modernizing to foster greater growth and solidify its position in African politics.