On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Rabat played host to the 17th Pan-African Ministerial Forum of CAFRAD. Ahead of the 61st session of the Board of Directors, Rodrigue Chaou, Benin’s Minister for Budget and Public Service, articulated the nation’s ambitious vision. Through extensive digitalization of services and comprehensive structural reforms, Cotonou is firmly establishing itself as a beacon of modern governance, committed to transforming its public administration into a powerful engine for economic prosperity.

A strategic summit for the future of African public services

This high-level gathering convened in the Moroccan capital, a historical nexus for South-South cooperation. Established in 1964, the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) stands as the premier intergovernmental institution dedicated to reimagining state structures across the African continent.

This year, the forum tackled a formidable challenge, centering its theme on leadership as a crucial catalyst for guiding public action within a VICA(P)D context. This intricate acronym encapsulates a tangible reality: public administrations must now adeptly navigate a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, alongside the profound shifts brought about by digital transformation.

For Benin, represented by Mr. Rodrigue Chaou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Budget and Public Service, this assembly transcended mere diplomatic protocol. It presented a vital opportunity to benchmark national reforms against continental best practices and to emphatically reiterate a clear ambition: to transform public administration into a significant driver of economic competitiveness.

Governing through turbulence: new styles of public leadership

The proceedings, which brought together ministers, international experts, and high-ranking officials, were structured around two pivotal theoretical and practical presentations.

The initial address, delivered by Dr. Dieudonné Assouvi, Director General of CAFRAD, outlined the profile of the future public manager. He underscored that in an unstable environment, rigid, hierarchical bureaucratic methods have proven inadequate. Dr. Assouvi advocated for agile leadership, capable of anticipating economic crises and responding in real-time to ensure state continuity.

The second presentation, led by Professor Sehl Mellouli from Université Laval in Canada, addressed a core contemporary concern by connecting political leadership with digital sovereignty. In an era defined by artificial intelligence and sovereign cloud solutions, the technological independence of African states is no longer merely an option; it has become an indispensable condition for national security and economic appeal.

The economic impact of digitalization: Benin’s winning bet

“A modern administration is more than just a tool for political prestige; it is the primary partner for private investment and wealth creation.”

During the ministerial experience-sharing session, the Beninese delegation proudly presented its remarkable progress. For several years, Benin has pursued an aggressive digitization drive for its public services. This strategy is founded on the deep conviction that streamlining administrative procedures drastically lowers transaction costs for businesses and significantly improves the overall business environment.

Notably, Benin shared its successful experience in the dematerialization of fiscal procedures. By simplifying and digitizing tax collection and customs formalities, the nation secures its public revenues while simultaneously eradicating bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously hindered economic operators.

In a similar vein, the establishment of a single-window system for business creation has dramatically cut the time required to form a legal entity to just a few hours online. This efficiency boost energizes youth entrepreneurship and attracts foreign direct investment. Furthermore, the transparency fostered by digitization minimizes physical interactions between users and agents through online platforms, thereby reducing corruption risks and bolstering citizen trust in their institutions.

A resilient administration serving citizens

Beyond the macroeconomic productivity gains, Benin’s administrative modernization targets a direct, positive impact on the daily lives of its citizens. During the discussions in Rabat, the critical issue of digital inclusion was thoroughly examined, emphasizing that digital transformation must not marginalize the most vulnerable segments of society.

The Beninese government ensures that its digitization efforts are complemented by an active policy of decentralization and enhanced access to essential services. Whether it involves obtaining civil status certificates, criminal records, or identity documents, the reduction in administrative processing times helps integrate citizens into the formal economy and guarantees equal opportunities across the entire territory, from urban centers to the most remote regions.

Towards the 61st session of the CAFRAD Board of Directors

With the Ministerial Forum barely concluded, delegations are already looking ahead to the 61st session of the institution’s Board of Directors. For Minister Rodrigue Chaou and his counterparts, the immediate challenge will be to translate the strategic directions discussed into actionable operational roadmaps.

Member states will particularly focus on reviewing CAFRAD’s activity report, defining future training programs for senior African executives, and strengthening South-South cooperation in administrative engineering.

By actively engaging in these decision-making bodies, Benin demonstrates that it is not merely adopting governance models but is actively participating in the co-creation of 21st-century African administration. This sends a powerful message to development partners and international markets: in Cotonou, the state is modernizing to foster greater growth.