• Benin allocates $13.5 million to support 365 SMEs under the 2026 PAEB cohort.
• Authorities target a 40% share of women-led businesses in the program.
• SMEs represent over 90% of firms but face persistent financing and market access constraints.

Benin has mobilized CFA7.7 billion ($13.5 million) to support 365 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) following the launch of the 2026 cohort of the Support Project for Entrepreneurship in Benin (PAEB), according to an official statement released on March 19.

The program aims to increase the share of women-led businesses to 40% and expand its coverage across the national territory. Authorities seek to strengthen inclusion while reinforcing the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Entrepreneuriat au Bénin : Le PAEB lance sa cohorte 2026 pour soutenir 365 PME dans leur croissance

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— Gouvernement du Bénin ?? (@gouvbenin) March 19, 2026

Small Business Development Agency implements the PAEB with support from French Development Agency and European Union. The program operates with a total budget of 32.2 million euros ($37.2 million) over the 2023–2028 period.

The initiative aims to improve access to technical and financial services for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It seeks to strengthen competitiveness and resilience across the SME segment.

This new phase follows an initial stage that authorities described as “successful.” The program supported 160 SMEs during the first phase, including 46 women-led businesses, with total financing exceeding CFA3.3 billion.

“Our goal now is to take things a step further by providing more support to businesses, expanding the program’s reach across the country, and promoting women’s entrepreneurship,” said Marlène Houssou, program coordinator.

SMEs play a central role in Benin’s economy. They account for more than 90% of businesses and generate the majority of new jobs.

However, these enterprises continue to face structural constraints, particularly limited access to financing and markets. These challenges restrict their ability to scale and compete effectively.

To address these constraints, authorities have adopted the 2024–2029 strategic plan of the SME Development Agency. The plan aims to strengthen support mechanisms and structure the entrepreneurial ecosystem over the long term.

Through this expanded phase of the PAEB, Benin seeks to deepen support for SMEs and accelerate inclusive economic growth.

This article was initially published in French by Charlène N’dimon

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum