By Héribert-Label Élisée Adjovi – President of the Xi’an Think Tank for Cooperation and Development
The Golden Tulip “Le Diplomate” Hotel in Cotonou, Benin, will host an early commemoration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On Monday, September 29, 2025, Chinese and Beninese authorities, friends of China in Benin, and the entire diplomatic and consular corps accredited in Cotonou will celebrate Sino-Beninese friendship and cooperation. This event takes place exactly two months before the 53rd anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between China and Benin, which occurred on Friday, December 29, 1972—especially two years after President Patrice Talon’s state visit to Beijing from August 31 to September 3, 2023. It is a timely occasion to ask: What assessment can be made of Chinese-style modernization and the strategic partnership between China and Benin? Chinese-style modernization and the China–Benin strategic partnership now form a major diplomatic and economic axis, offering an alternative vision of development for Global South countries.
Chinese-style modernization: a distinct path After Western capitalism (a development model that prioritizes individual interests and the wealthy over the common good) and Russian communism (which gives primacy to the state in defending collective welfare), China proposes a modernization model based on: - Socialism with Chinese characteristics, emphasizing political stability, strategic planning, and technological development - Adaptation to national realities, avoiding Western models often deemed unsuitable for local contexts - Economic sovereignty, with strong support for industrialization, innovation, and poverty reduction Benin views this model as a source of inspiration for building an autonomous, inclusive, and sustainable development trajectory.
The new era of the China–Benin strategic partnership During President Patrice Talon’s state visit to China (August 31 to September 3, 2023), both countries elevated their relations to a strategic partnership. This partnership is based on: - Strengthened political dialogue, with regular exchanges between heads of state and institutions - Major development projects (such as the Niger–Benin Export Pipeline), aligned with Chinese industrial standards - Cooperation in education and health, notably through the Luban Workshop for vocational training - Support for Benin’s industrialization, with Chinese companies entering sectors like textiles, mining, and traditional medicine - Trade openness, with Benin invited to promote culturally significant products in the Chinese market (e.g., “pain du sucre” and Beninese pineapple)
I. Strengthened political dialogue within the strategic partnership The reinforced political dialogue between China and Benin, formalized in September 2023, marks a significant evolution in bilateral diplomacy. It goes beyond technical or commercial cooperation to become high-level consultation based on mutual trust, shared development visions, and a joint commitment to reshaping global balances. *Key features of this dialogue include: - Frequency and intensity of diplomatic exchanges: Regular meetings between heads of state, ministers, and senior officials help align strategic priorities and streamline intergovernmental coordination - Institutionalized consultation mechanisms: Joint committees, bilateral forums, and project monitoring platforms ensure shared governance of Sino-Beninese initiatives - Mutual support on international platforms: Benin supports China’s positions on key issues (such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, and inclusive multilateralism), while China backs Benin’s aspirations in African and global institutions - Dialogue on development models: Benin explores the principles of Chinese-style modernization, especially in industrial planning, poverty reduction, and digital transformation *Geopolitical scope of the partnership This political dialogue extends beyond bilateral interests: - It aligns with a South–South dynamic, positioning China and Benin as actors in global rebalancing - It amplifies Africa’s voice in debates on global governance, institutional reform, and climate challenges The China–Benin political dialogue, now structured by a strategic partnership, embodies diplomacy rooted in convergence and co-construction. It reflects both nations’ commitment to building a shared future based on mutual respect, South–South solidarity, and locally adapted solutions.
II. Key development projects within the strategic partnership The flagship projects between China and Benin, formalized in September 2023, reflect pragmatic and ambitious cooperation aimed at sustainably transforming Benin’s economic fabric. These are not mere investments—they express a shared development vision based on sovereignty, interconnection, and innovation. *Notable development axes include: Road, Rail, and Port Infrastructure • Road Infrastructure 1. Rehabilitation of three strategic road axes in Benin: - Djougou–N’Dali (127 km) - Allada–Bohicon (75 km) - Aplahoué–Abomey–Covè–Kétou–Illara (146 km) 2. Abidjan–Lagos Highway Corridor This transnational project spans 1,028 km and connects five countries, including Benin, with a route passing through Cotonou. • Rail Infrastructure 1. Abidjan–Ouagadougou–Niamey–Cotonou–Lomé Railway Loop A 2,928 km project designed to link five capital cities, including Cotonou. 2. Sino-Beninese Cooperation in Railway Development - Rehabilitation of the Cotonou–Parakou–Niamey railway line - Development of logistics corridors to Beninese ports • Port Infrastructure 1. Port of Cotonou – Modernization and Expansion - Supply of port equipment - Technical support under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - Cooperation in securing logistics flows to the hinterland 2. Logistics Platforms and Special Economic Zones Chinese companies have invested in industrial zones near the Port of Cotonou, facilitating: - Exports to Asia - Local processing of raw materials Energy and industrial infrastructure - Niger–Benin Export Pipeline: A flagship project supported by China to strengthen regional energy capacity and position Benin as a strategic hub - Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Chinese support for integrated industrial zones to attract investment and boost local transformation (e.g., Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone) Digitalization and green economy - Agreements on digital development and ecological transition, with technology transfers and capacity building - Joint projects include public service digitalization (SmartGouv), broadband expansion, and AI promotion for national development - Initiatives also support the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem and aim for greener transport solutions, such as electric vehicle introduction Agriculture and food security - Technical cooperation to improve agricultural yields, agro-processing, and access to Chinese markets for Beninese products A co-development logic These development projects align with: - The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Connecting Global South economies through logistical and digital corridors - The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda: To which China and Benin contribute through concrete actions in inclusion, resilience, and green growth The China–Benin flagship projects, driven by the strategic partnership, reflect a shared commitment to building sovereign, interconnected, and inclusive development. They embody a diplomacy of tangible impact—where each infrastructure, training center, and energy corridor becomes a vector of sustainable transformation and South–South solidarity.
III – Sino–Beninese Cooperation in Education and Health Sino–Beninese cooperation in education and health, within the framework of the strategic partnership established in 2023, embodies a diplomacy of human development. It reflects a shared commitment to building resilient, skilled, and inclusive societies through concrete projects with strong social impact.
China supports Benin in transforming its education system, notably through: - The Luban Workshop: a high-level vocational training center focused on technical and industrial trades, with knowledge transfer and modern equipment - Excellence scholarships for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): 57 Beninese learners received scholarships funded by the Chinese Embassy and WAPCO, under the Belt and Road Initiative - Strengthening technical and agricultural high schools: support for training in 19 specialties to meet market needs and promote local talent - University partnerships: academic exchanges, internships in China, and support for applied research in strategic fields In the health sector, China and Benin collaborate on several fronts: - Construction and equipment of hospital infrastructure, especially in underserved areas - Support for traditional medicine: valuing local knowledge and integrating it into healthcare systems with Chinese expertise - Medical training and personnel exchanges: internships, seminars, and missions of Chinese doctors in Benin - Response to health emergencies: donations of equipment, vaccines, and medical supplies, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic This cooperation goes beyond ad hoc aid. It follows a co-development logic, where: - Benin strengthens its human and institutional capacities - China shares its experience in social modernization - Both countries build lasting bridges between peoples through education, health, and culture Sino–Beninese cooperation in education and health, driven by the strategic partnership, embodies a diplomacy of well-being and knowledge. It reflects the will of both states to build competent, resilient, and united societies, where every citizen has access to training, healthcare, and a future.
IV – Benin’s Industrialization within the China–Benin Strategic Partnership Support for Benin’s industrialization within the China–Benin strategic partnership represents a key lever for economic transformation, based on pragmatic, inclusive cooperation focused on productive sovereignty. This support follows a co-development logic, with China assisting Benin in structuring its value chains, building skills, and fostering regional integration. Key pillars of Chinese support for Benin’s industrialization: - Encouraging direct Chinese investment: China invites its companies to invest in strategic sectors such as textiles, agro-industry, construction materials, mining, and local resource processing. Currently, 34 major Chinese companies and many smaller ones operate in Benin - Creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs): supported by Chinese expertise, these zones concentrate infrastructure, tax incentives, and logistics services to attract investors and stimulate local production - Technology and know-how transfer: China shares its experience in industrial governance, strategic planning, and production chain modernization - Support for skills development: the Luban Workshop, for example, trains Beninese technicians in industrial trades, strengthening the local workforce to meet business needs - Facilitating access to the Chinese market: Benin is encouraged to promote its culturally and industrially distinctive products at events such as the China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo Industrialization as a pillar of sovereign development Chinese support for Benin’s industrialization: - Strengthens Benin’s economic resilience to external shocks - Promotes the creation of skilled jobs, especially for youth - Reduces dependence on imports by stimulating local production - Positions Benin as a regional player in African value chains The China–Benin strategic partnership makes Benin’s industrialization a shared priority. Through investment, knowledge transfer, and trade openness, China supports Benin in building a sovereign, competitive, and inclusive productive fabric, serving sustainable development and enhanced regional integration.
V – Trade Openness within the China–Benin Strategic Partnership Trade openness between China and Benin, within the strategic partnership established in 2023, is a key pillar of bilateral cooperation. It reflects a shared desire to streamline exchanges, promote local production, and connect business communities in a co-development dynamic. A reciprocal trade openness The China–Benin Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation Forum, held in January 2024 in Cotonou, illustrated this dynamic by bringing together: - Chinese investors and Beninese entrepreneurs around concrete opportunities - Representatives from key ministries (Foreign Affairs, Industry, Trade, Economy and Finance) and the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) to structure exchanges The goal is clear: to open both countries’ markets to their business communities by promoting cooperation protocols between private sectors. Strategic axes of trade openness: - Promotion of Beninese products with strong cultural identity: Benin is encouraged to showcase its products (crafts, agri-food, textiles) in the Chinese market, notably during China–Africa economic expos - Facilitation of cross-investments: China supports the establishment of Beninese companies in China and Chinese companies in Benin, with tax incentives and institutional guarantees - Strengthening of logistics infrastructure: projects such as the Niger–Benin pipeline and special economic zones facilitate exports and regional interconnection - Digitalization of trade exchanges: digital platforms are being considered to streamline customs procedures, payments, and product traceability. *A Commercial Opening in Service of South–South Multilateralism This commercial dimension of the strategic partnership: - Strengthens Benin’s economic sovereignty by diversifying its export outlets - Positions Benin as a regional actor capable of linking African and Asian markets - Contributes to a new global economic order based on equity, complementarity, and solidarity The Sino–Beninese commercial opening, driven by the strategic partnership, embodies an inclusive and ambitious economic diplomacy. It aims to connect business communities, promote local production, and build lasting bridges between African and Asian markets, within a logic of co-development and South–South solidarity. A Shared Vision of Multilateralism The strategic partnership established between China and Benin also fits into a broader dynamic: - FOCAC 2024 (Forum on China–Africa Cooperation), where Benin plays an active role - A shared commitment to a more equitable global order, based on mutual respect and South–South cooperation
What can be concluded from the theme “Chinese-style modernization and the strategic partnership between China and Benin”? The theme of Chinese-style modernization and the China–Benin strategic partnership illustrates a convergence between two states which, though different in size and historical trajectory, share a common vision of development rooted in sovereignty, solidarity, and innovation. This strategic partnership is an alliance built on mutual respect and complementarity. Benin sees in Chinese-style modernization an alternative model, adapted to the realities of the Global South, based on planning, stability, and social innovation. In return, China sees Benin as a reliable partner, strategically located and committed to transformation and openness. The China–Benin strategic partnership is both structuring and multidimensional. It goes beyond mere commercial exchanges. It encompasses education, health, industrialization, standardization, culture, and political dialogue. It is supported by concrete projects such as the Niger–Benin pipeline, Luban Workshops, special economic zones, and industrial standardization agreements. Ultimately, the China–Benin strategic partnership contributes to a multipolar global order. Together, China and Benin advocate for inclusive multilateralism, strengthened South–South cooperation, and reform of international institutions. By embracing the principles of Chinese-style modernization, Benin affirms its desire to build a sovereign, resilient, and culturally rooted development model. Chinese-style modernization and the China–Benin strategic partnership embody a diplomacy of the future—where development is not copied, but constructed in respect of identities and aspirations. This rapprochement offers Benin a path to sovereign transformation, and offers China a committed African partner in a dynamic of co-creation and global solidarity.