Benin’s digital transformation vision unveiled at CAFRAD forum in Rabat

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Rabat became the focal point for the 17th Pan-African Ministerial Forum of CAFRAD. Preceding the 61st session of the Board of Directors, Benin’s Minister of Budget and Public Service, Rodrigue Chaou, presented the nation’s ambitious vision. Through extensive digitalization of services and strategic structural reforms, Cotonou is forging a path as a prime example of modern governance, committed to transforming its public administration into a dynamic engine for economic growth.

Strategic summit shapes the future of African public services

The high-level gathering commenced in the Moroccan capital, historically a hub for South-South cooperation. Established in 1964, the African Centre for Administrative Training and Research (CAFRAD) stands as the premier intergovernmental body dedicated to reimagining state structures across the continent.

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

For Benin, with Minister Rodrigue Chaou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Budget and Public Service, leading the delegation, this was more than a diplomatic engagement. It served as a vital platform to benchmark national reforms against continental best practices and to underscore a resolute ambition: to transform public administration into a key driver of economic competitiveness.

Leading through turbulence: evolving public leadership styles

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

Dr. Dieudonné Assouvi, CAFRAD’s Director General, delivered the first address, outlining the profile of the future public manager. He emphasized that in an unpredictable landscape, rigid, hierarchical bureaucratic methods are no longer sufficient. Dr. Assouvi advocated for agile leadership, capable of foreseeing economic crises and responding in real-time to ensure state continuity.

The second presentation, led by Professor Sehl Mellouli from Laval University in Canada, delved into contemporary concerns by connecting political leadership with digital sovereignty. In an era defined by artificial intelligence and sovereign cloud solutions, technological autonomy for African nations is no longer merely an advantage, but a fundamental prerequisite for national security and economic appeal.

The economic impact of digitalization: Benin’s successful gamble

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

During the ministerial session dedicated to experience sharing, the Beninese delegation proudly presented its significant progress. For several years, Benin has vigorously pursued the digitization of its public services. This strategic approach is rooted in the firm belief that streamlining administrative processes dramatically lowers transaction costs for businesses and sustainably improves the overall business climate.

Benin specifically detailed its successful journey in dematerializing tax procedures. By simplifying and digitizing tax collection and customs formalities, the nation not only safeguards public revenues but also effectively eliminates bureaucratic bottlenecks that historically hindered economic operators.

Continuing this momentum, the establishment of a single window for business creation now enables the formation of a legal entity online in just a few hours. This ease of doing business significantly boosts youth entrepreneurship and attracts foreign direct investment. Furthermore, the transparency fostered by digitization reduces physical interactions between citizens and public officials through online platforms, thereby mitigating corruption risks and strengthening public trust in government institutions.

A resilient administration serving its citizens

Beyond the macroeconomic productivity gains, Benin’s administrative modernization efforts are designed to directly enhance the daily lives of its populace. During discussions in Rabat, the critical issue of digital inclusion was thoroughly explored, emphasizing that digital transformation must not marginalize the most vulnerable segments of society.

For the Beninese government, digitization is complemented by an active policy of decentralization and expanded access to essential services. Whether it involves obtaining civil status records, criminal records, or identity documents, the significant reduction in administrative processing times helps reintegrate citizens into the formal economy and ensures equitable opportunities across the entire territory, from bustling urban centers to the most remote regions.

Looking ahead to CAFRAD’s 61st Board of Directors session

With the Ministerial Forum barely concluded, delegations are already shifting their focus to the institution’s 61st Board of Directors session. For Minister Rodrigue Chaou and his counterparts, the immediate challenge will be to translate the strategic directions discussed into actionable operational roadmaps.

Member states are expected to review CAFRAD’s activity report, outline future training programs for senior African executives, and bolster South-South cooperation in administrative engineering.

By actively engaging in these crucial decision-making bodies, Benin illustrates that it is not merely adopting governance models, but is a proactive participant in shaping the 21st-century African administration. This sends a powerful message to development partners and international markets: in Cotonou, the state is modernizing to foster greater growth.