Benin: Digital Technology as a Growth Driver for Agriculture

Considerable economic potential

Digital transformation is becoming a key driver of development in Benin. According to a GSMA study, the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture could generate a 4.3% increase in the sector’s added value, representing a potential gain of $309 million by 2028.

Digitization would also create 82,000 additional jobs and boost tax revenues by an estimated FCFA 33 billion.

Concrete benefits for farmers

The integration of digital tools into farming practices could :

• Increase productivity by 10.5% to 20%.
• Increase farmers’ incomes by 23%.
• Facilitate access to key data on crops, markets and climatic conditions.

These advances could boost strategic sectors such as palm oil, pineapple, cashew nuts, rice, corn and poultry.

A Key Sector, But Still Dependent

Agriculture accounts for 27% of Benin’s GDP, with a marked dependence on cotton exports (30% of exports), followed by cashew nuts and oilseeds. Diversification and digital innovation could boost the sector’s resilience in the face of economic and climatic challenges.

The Challenges of Digital Transition

Despite its potential, e-agriculture in Benin faces a number of obstacles:

• Lack of digital infrastructure in rural areas.
• Low digital literacy among farmers.
• The high cost of technology and access to digital services.

Towards Collaboration for Accelerated Change

To overcome these challenges, the GSMA recommends a concerted approach between the State, telecoms operators and the private sector. Actions such as training farmers, subsidizing technological equipment and developing suitable platforms could encourage digital adoption and accelerate the modernization of Benin’s agriculture.

Conclusion

With strategic investment and the mobilization of key players, digital technology could sustainably transform agriculture in Benin. Successful adoption would not only boost farmers’ productivity and incomes, but also strengthen the country’s competitiveness on the international stage.and overcoming internal and external obstacles will be decisive in its quest for power.