By Fernand Dagoudo, Risk Management, Internal Control, and Compliance Professional.
The international anti-corruption organization Transparency International released on February 10, 2026, its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranking, placing Benin in 8th position in Sub-Saharan Africa and 70th globally with a score of 45 out of 100, identical to that of 2024. This result is in line with the reforms carried out by President Patrice Talon over the past decade, but it also indicates a gap between the actions taken and their recognition in the evaluation by the international organization.
Stability that resembles more of a transition phase than a halt in progress
At first glance, the maintenance of the score may seem disappointing. However, in an African context where the regional average is around 33 points, Benin remains above the general trend. This stability can be perceived as a consolidation phase: the reforms initiated since 2016 have laid solid foundations, but their full effects are not yet fully reflected in the international perception.
Transparency International rankings largely depend on the image that states project in terms of governance. However, this perception often evolves more slowly than the reforms themselves. The case of Benin thus illustrates a gap between public action and its recognition on the international stage.
Since 2016, institutions have been strengthened to better fight corruption
To understand Benin’s current trajectory, we must first look back at the reforms initiated since President Patrice Talon took office in 2016. Since then, several institutions have been created or reinforced to effectively combat corruption and economic crimes. Firstly, the Economic Crimes and Terrorism Repression Court (CRIET) has imposed more direct judicial responses to financial affairs. Additionally, the High Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (HCPC) acts preventively through awareness and prevention measures. This is complemented by the strengthening of the role of the Court of Auditors, responsible for overseeing the proper management of public resources.
Furthermore, the establishment of the National Center for Digital Investigations shows that the state is seeking to better regulate digital-related fraud. At the same time, the CENTIF, already involved in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, strengthens its controls and imposes more requirements on both public and private enterprises.
Digitalization and international cooperation: two key drivers for progress
Beyond strengthening institutions, the digitalization of public services is gradually transforming the functioning of the Beninese administration. By reducing direct contacts and automating certain procedures, the government aims to limit irregular practices in daily operations. In this dynamic, the Ministry of Digitalization plays an important role, particularly through structures such as the National Agency for Personal Identification (ANIP) and the Agency for Information Systems and Digital (ASIN), which contribute to the modernization of the state and better monitoring of public operations.
Moreover, Benin is increasingly opening up internationally with its participation in initiatives such as the UN GlobE Network, a framework that encourages cooperation between countries and strengthens the trust of foreign partners. All these reforms represent concrete actions taken by the government. However, it must be acknowledged that they are still recent, which may explain their limited impact in the latest evaluation. Their effects should gradually become apparent in future analyses.
Between recognition in Africa and growing expectations
Benin’s 8th place in Sub-Saharan Africa sends a positive signal, but this ranking also comes with new expectations. By surpassing the regional average, the country is gradually entering the group of African states often cited as examples in terms of governance. Therefore, the challenge for the coming years is clear: on one hand, continue to consolidate the foundations already laid, and on the other, deliver concrete results on transparency, public management, and citizen trust. Even though a stable score may indicate a certain consistency, our authorities are now expected to accelerate real reforms and produce visible effects.
A key moment for Benin’s international image
In conclusion, the stability of Benin’s CPI score between 2024 and 2025 does not mean that nothing is happening. Instead, it reflects a transition phase where reforms initiated since 2016 are still seeking to produce visible effects internationally. In recent years, the government has relied on several drivers: strengthening economic justice, preventing corruption, and modernizing the administration. Although these actions are not yet fully reflected in international assessments, they could have an impact in the coming years. In essence, this is not just a stagnation, but a possible transition towards a new phase of acceleration.
About Fernand Dagoudo
A professional in risk management, internal control, and compliance, Fernand Dagoudo holds a Master’s degree in Audit and Management Control from CESAG Business School and has over seven years of experience in banking, insurance, and audit and accounting firms. Certified in Risk Management, AML/CFT, Compliance, Internal Control, and ISO 37001, he currently serves as an Internal Controller in a pan-African holding company, where he contributes to the management of control and risk management systems across the Group. Additionally, he works as an Associate Professor in Senegal and Ivory Coast to train future professionals in the fields of internal control, compliance, and risk management.
