Canada-Benin relations
On this page
- Bilateral relations
- Trade relations
- Development and humanitarian assistance
- Peace and security
- Partnerships and organizations
Bilateral relations
Canada and Benin established diplomatic relations in 1962, shortly after Benin gained its independence in 1960. Canada and Benin enjoy a positive bilateral relationship. Although relations between the two countries are limited, they work together in multilateral forums such as La Francophonie and the United Nations, as well as through development cooperation and trade.
Canada is represented in Benin by the Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso, in Ouagadougou.. An office of the embassy opened in Cotonou in 2016. Benin is represented in Canada by the Embassy of Benin to the United States in Washington D.C.
Beninese students in Canada
In 2017, 610 Beninese students held valid permits to study in Canada. Education is an important sector in Canada-Benin relations. There are several partnerships between Beninese and Canadian universities.
Trade relations
Canada and Benin have a stable, long-standing trade relationship. The most promising growth sectors are in the following areas: agriculture, energy, telecommunications, education and vocational training, and road and rail infrastructure. Bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled about $57.9 million in 2023, including nearly $53.2 million in Canadian exports to Benin and slightly more than $4.7 million in Canadian imports from the country. Canada’s top exports to Benin included motor vehicles and parts, metal ores and non-metallic minerals, and consumer goods. Top imports were farm, fishing, and intermediate food products. There are currently no direct Canadian investments in Benin.
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Development and humanitarian assistance
In 2022-2023, Canada provided over $46.7 million in development assistance to Benin across all channels, including $24.8 million through 抖淫视频. The development program is in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and with Benin’s Government Action Plan for 2021 to 2026, emphasizing gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls and human dignity (sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls). The development program also includes initiatives for green economic growth (development of microfinance, youth employability and climate resilient agriculture).
Please visit the for more details on programming in Benin.
Peace and security
Canada is helping strengthen regional cooperation designed to combat human smuggling between Benin, Togo and Ghana through activities to make common borders more secure and improve information sharing and coordination mechanisms. Benin also benefits from the Canadian Armed Forces’ Military Training Cooperation Program. In May 2024, Canadian Armed Forces offered combat first aid training in Benin.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Benin work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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