The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Benin in 1960, following its independence from France. The U.S. supports the consolidation of democracy and economic liberalization in Benin. Legislative and presidential elections in 2015 and 2016, respectively, were peaceful and benefited from strong citizen participation and robust press freedom. Poor health care, the low quality of public education, and endemic corruption, however,
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Benin in 1960, following its independence from France. The U.S. supports the consolidation of democracy and economic liberalization in Benin. Legislative and presidential elections in 2015 and 2016, respectively, were peaceful and benefited from strong citizen participation and robust press freedom. Poor health care, the low quality of public education, and endemic corruption, however, persist as obstacles to national development.
The U.S. supports efforts to improve the health of Beninese families by reducing the malaria disease burden, improving the health of mothers and young children, and strengthening the health system. U.S. assistance also provides support to Benin’s defense and military capacity enhancement, enabling the country to maintain domestic peace and security while contributing to regional stability.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Benin is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The U.S. aims to promote increased trade with Benin and to stimulate U.S. investment in key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and transportation. Benin and the U.S. have a bilateral investment agreement. The U.S. also has a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African
Benin is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The U.S. aims to promote increased trade with Benin and to stimulate U.S. investment in key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and transportation. Benin and the U.S. have a bilateral investment agreement. The U.S. also has a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Benin is a member.
The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates.
Since July, 2021 the United States has donated 2,418,390 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of Benin. This includes 1,107,990 Pfizer and 1,310,400 J&J doses. Of the 2,418,390 vaccine doses, 86% were donated in partnership with COVAX and 14% were donated through AVAT.
The United States is committed to leading an international and coordinated effort to accelerate access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to meet global needs. The United States is working with other governments and partners including COVAX, Caricom, and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to protect communities from COVID-19 and apply lessons from this pandemic to enhance health security now and in the future.
![Benin [shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Benin-e1555938439337-2500x1406.jpg)
