Message from the Deputy Chief of Mission

DCM Tuller

Dear potential investors: 

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Benin.  As the Deputy Cheif of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, I encourage you to look for business opportunities in Benin.  The Economic Section at the Embassy, in coordination with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service in Johannesburg, will assist you in identifying potential partners through programs such as International Company Profile, Gold Key Services and many others.  

For investors who have not yet worked in Benin, contact with the American Business Club of Cotonou (ABC) will facilitate networking and a better knowledge of Benin’s business environment.  Inaugurated on March 30, 2012, the ABC is a forum that brings together economic operators and their representatives in Benin to exchange ideas on doing business in Benin and the United States.  Over sixty Beninese and other entrepreneurs have participated in recent meetings.   

Potential investors are encouraged to participate in ABC meetings and networking sessions and give presentations on their companies and their activities.  

U.S. businesses, including Combustion Associates, Inc. (CAI) of California, have already taken advantage of Benin’s stable political and security situation and various opportunities in the business sector.  CAI was granted a $67 million contract in 2008 to build a power plant in Benin.  The project has been completed and will soon be inaugurated.   

Business scams are, unfortunately, a common but easily detectable practice in West Africa. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of a business opportunity, individual, or organization, do not hesitate to contact the Embassy for assistance.   

Thank you for choosing to explore business opportunities in Benin.  The Embassy looks forward to working with you to make your search for potential investment a success.