Cotonou’s 2033 poultry drive to slash imports and boost local economy

The first-ever Cotonou Poultry Expo has transformed the Palais des Congrès into a strategic command center for Benin’s economic revival. What began as a trade fair unfolded as the launchpad for a sweeping national plan: achieving poultry self-sufficiency by 2033.

Benin’s poultry sector faces a glaring imbalance. Domestic demand soars at 100,000 tonnes annually, yet local production barely scratches the surface at 20,000 tonnes. The shortfall of 80,000 tonnes is more than a supply gap—it’s a financial hemorrhage, draining billions of CFA francs into foreign markets each year.

Tackling the foreign exchange drain

Every ton of imported poultry represents a lost opportunity to strengthen Benin’s economic resilience. In response, the government has rolled out a bold agenda under the Bénin Vert 2033 initiative, positioning poultry as a cornerstone of national food security and macroeconomic stability.

Speaking on behalf of the President, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Adin Yeton Bloukounon Goubalan, emphasized the dual goal of reducing dependence on foreign supplies and retaining capital within Benin’s borders. “Boosting local poultry production isn’t just about feeding the nation—it’s about reclaiming our economic sovereignty,” he declared.

The four pillars of Benin’s poultry revolution

The 2033 target demands a radical transformation across the value chain:

• Production boost: Expanding hatcheries, feed mills, and modern farms to multiply output fivefold in under a decade.
• Value addition: Developing local processing facilities to convert raw poultry into higher-value products like packaged meat and eggs.
• Private sector mobilization: Encouraging investment through incentives, risk-sharing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships.
• Job creation: Targeting rural youth and women with training programs and entrepreneurship support in poultry-related industries.

A united front for change

The Interprofession Avicole du Bénin (IAB) has rallied every link in the chain—farmers, feed producers, veterinarians, distributors, and researchers—under one roof for the first time. The Expo serves as a catalyst to unify scattered efforts into a cohesive industry capable of securing financing and proving its viability.

“This isn’t just about survival—it’s about building a high-value market,” said Léon Anago, IAB President. “We’re shifting from subsistence farming to a profitable sector that can attract capital and drive growth.”

Learning from Morocco’s success

Benin is leveraging South-South cooperation, particularly with Morocco, whose aviculture sector has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. The presence of Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture at the Expo underscored the depth of this partnership, which includes technical expertise, best practices, and investment opportunities.

“This collaboration goes beyond diplomacy—it’s a blueprint for shared prosperity and continental food security,” the Moroccan minister remarked, highlighting how structural reforms in Benin align with regional ambitions.

From import dependency to African resilience

The 2033 poultry vision is more than a national project—it’s a test case for Africa’s ability to reduce import reliance and build resilient economies. By turning a chronic deficit into a growth engine, Benin aims to show how strategic agricultural policies can shield developing nations from global volatility.

With the clock ticking, the poultry sector faces a monumental challenge: scaling production from 20,000 to 100,000 tonnes in just seven years. Success would not only secure Benin’s food future but also redefine what’s possible for African agricultural sovereignty.