Economic Cooperation: Niger and Benin reopen their border to revitalize trade
After nearly nine months of closure, the authorities of Niger and Benin have agreed to resume the movement of goods at their shared border. This decision, reported by several international media outlets, marks a significant step towards the resumption of trade between the two countries.
Following consultations between the two capitals, the border post near the Beninese town of Ségbana has been reopened, allowing the resumption of the commercial corridor between Benin and Niger. Located in northern Benin on the Nigerien River, this border post is of great importance for trade exchanges between the two countries.
The closure of the border between Niger and Benin was decided in the summer of 2023 by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to the military coup in Niger. This measure had significant economic consequences for Benin, including a considerable loss of revenue due to the disruption of trade exchanges.
Although ECOWAS lifted the economic sanctions in February of this year, the border between Niger and Benin had remained closed. This decision also affected the oil sector, with the Beninese government banning access to national territorial waters for tankers transporting Nigerien oil.
It remains to be seen whether this border reopening agreement includes a complete lifting of the ban on tankers entering Beninese territorial waters. This development marks an important step towards the normalization of economic relations between Benin and Niger, paving the way for strengthened cooperation and mutual prosperity.
