Rwandans and Beninese have been urged to translate more than a decade of growing bilateral ties into concrete opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Relations between Rwanda and Benin have expanded since 2016 through high-level visits and cooperation agreements covering several sectors. The two countries are now seeking to deepen those ties by increasing opportunities for businesses, investors and citizens.
Benin, a West African country with access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of Guinea, has significant potential for trade and investment. Its economy grew by 8.1 percent in 2025, according to available data.
President Romuald Wadagni, who is in Rwanda for a two-day working visit, previously served as Benin’s minister of economy and finance from 2016. During his tenure, Rwanda and Benin signed several cooperation agreements.
A Beninese national who has lived in Rwanda for more than a decade said the relationship between the two countries demonstrates what African nations can achieve when they work together.
He said the growing number of programmes and joint initiatives could create opportunities for citizens, but urged the private sector and communities to play a greater role in turning government agreements into economic activity.
Kamanzi Uwizera Gloria, a Rwandan who works in both countries, said the strengthening relationship could provide a platform for deeper business partnerships.
She described Wadagni’s visit as an important signal to businesses and investors that cooperation between Rwanda and Benin is continuing to expand.
More than 300 Beninese nationals are estimated to live in Rwanda, where they engage in investment, education and other professional activities.
Representatives of citizens and the private sector said bilateral cooperation should extend beyond agreements signed at government level and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and communities in both countries.
They said stronger economic links could boost trade, investment and knowledge-sharing, while giving practical meaning to the countries’ more than 10 years of diplomatic relations.
During Wadagni’s visit, he held talks with President Paul Kagame, after which officials from both countries were urged to strengthen existing areas of cooperation and explore new sectors for joint initiatives.
Rwanda and Benin currently cooperate in areas including trade and investment, technology, agriculture, urban planning, public services and security.
