USAID-Benin

The USAID Mission to Benin was re-established in December 1991 with an objective to help consolidate Benin's economic restructuring and democratization process. This effort consists of:

• Continuing improvements in the economic reform process, including the enabling environment, the regulatory and institutional framework; and

• Developing a supportive human resource base.

Our program focuses on developing Benin’s human resource base through improving the quality of and access to basic education and strengthening family health services in both the private and public sectors. In addition, USAID/Benin has a cross-cutting objective which aims to improve governance through democratic institution building, promoting the enabling environment for private initiatives, and strengthening civil society’s role in decision-making.

To achieve enduring economic and social progress in Benin, we will emphasize decentralization and local involvement, close coordination with other donors, and program integration. By assisting the government to devolve power to the local public and private entities, we will increase the absorptive capacity and efficiency of the government. Moreover, by encouraging local participation, we will gain sustainable improvements in the delivery of health and education services, both in terms of quantity and quality.

Striving toward a coordinated effort with the host government, other donors, and development partners is a standard feature of a USAID assistance program, but this strategy is particularly relevant in the domain of governance in Benin. With the other donors, our program can have a much greater impact. While USAID is not the largest donor in the governance sector, we play a strong leadership role.

We have elevated governance activities within the education and health strategic objectives to maximize developmental impact. What is more, we have reinforced the integrated and synergistic nature of the program by focusing on the poorest regions in northen Benin, where several programs funded by USAID are active.

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