Beninese small business gain international presence and know-how
Benin wants to grow its exports, especially by small businesses working in food and technology. The African country believes this is the best way to lift its economy from the ranks of least developed countries.
A key milestone in that effort is the creation of a new Pôle Export, a platform that will make it easier for entrepreneurs to enter international markets.
Pôle Export is the centrepiece of a project at the Interantional Trade Centre (ITC), which is working with both the government and with small businesses to boost the country's exports.
The government has created new Directorate for Export Promotion, known by its French acronym DPE. It sits within the Import and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx), but it's more than an organizational change. It's a new way of thinking about exports, with a targeted approach that focuses on agribusiness and digital trade.
Since February, the Pôle Export is has its own director to coordinate its activities. A team of government trade exports has been assigned to support him, along with eight Beninese consultants recruited by ITC to build up their skills.
Three advisors are focussed on priority export areas, including agribusinesses and textiles and clothing. Three others have already worked with 21 small business on their branding and e-commerce operations. Two more will provide DPE staff with training in market analysis tools.
The ITC work is under a project called Support to operationalize the APIEx Pôle Export, known simply as ProPex. The Embassy of the Netherlands funds the project, which began in February 2025. A steering committee meeting on 6 May marked ProPex's official launch.
The Export Promotion Directorate is the backbone of Benin's ambitions to expand into international markets, offering targeted export support services tailored to priority sectors,' said ITC country manager Ludmila Azo. 'Through the PROPEX project, we aim to strengthen this institutional lever by providing it with the skills, tools and systems necessary to provide strategic and high-impact support to SMEs ready to export.'
Upgrading digital services
The APIEx website is being upgraded to include trade information tools, as well as a small business marketplace and sector-specific content.
ProPex stands out because of how it centres participatory governance. Three thematic working groups structure their services within the National Export Strategy, which was also crafted with ITC support.
Regular briefings between ITC, APIEx and other partners ensure close monitoring of progress. By focussing on sustainability and capitalization, ProPex is laying the foundation for a robust export ecosystem in Benin.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
22 minutes ago
- Zawya
ITC underscores the importance of providing valet parking services exclusively through licensed operators
Abu Dhabi – The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has issued a notice stressing that all entities offering valet parking services must obtain official licences from the ITC before commencing any activity within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It clarified that providing such services without a licence, or misusing an existing one, constitutes a violation of the approved laws and regulations and subjects offenders to legal accountability. The ITC explained that its field inspection teams continue to carry out regular monitoring campaigns at service locations to ensure compliance with regulations and to maintain a safe and organised environment that reflects Abu Dhabi's quality of life standards. In this regard, the Integrated Transport Centre urged relevant entities such as hotels, shopping centres and service providers to review their legal standing and verify the validity of their permits in line with the approved requirements. The Centre also emphasised the importance of the public choosing licensed providers when using valet parking services, to safeguard their rights and ensure the safety of their vehicles. The ITC confirmed that any reports of illegal practices or violations related to valet parking services will be received through the official communication channels. This comes as part of the Centre's ongoing efforts to enhance oversight, regulate service provision, and preserve the Emirate's civilised image. This directive forms part of the ITC's continued efforts to improve service quality, reinforce adherence to legislation, and ensure a safe, integrated mobility system that supports smoother traffic flow and contributes to enhancing overall quality of life. -Ends- About Integrated Transport Centre: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, is the legislative, regulatory, and supervisory authority responsible for managing and developing the transport sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It formulates policies and frameworks aimed at establishing a smart, safe, and integrated mobility system that supports the Emirate's aspiration to be among the most advanced cities in the world. ITC oversees all land, maritime, and aviation transport activities across the Emirate, ensuring the integration and advancement of the mobility system in line with urban expansion and population growth. It also strives to harness the latest technologies, innovation, and sustainability tools to meet future mobility demands, enhance quality of life, and redefine urban living standards by embedding advanced solutions and promoting sustainable mobility practices.
Zawya
23 minutes ago
- Zawya
Shaping the Future of African Mining: What to Expect at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025
As the global energy transition accelerates and demand for critical minerals continues to surge, Africa's vast mineral wealth – accounting for 30% of the world's critical minerals - is capturing the attention of investors, innovators and policymakers worldwide. African Mining Week (AMW) - taking place on October 1 - 3, 2025 in Cape Town - arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent's mining sector. Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa's Mineral Wealth, AMW is set to be a game-changing platform that will connect governments, industry leaders, financiers, and technology providers to shape the next phase of mining-led development across Africa. Multi Track Agenda AMW 2025 will feature a comprehensive multi-track program designed to reflect the full spectrum of Africa's mining value chain. Delegates will have access to the Strategic Conference, Technical Conference, and Mining Investment Hub - each offering dynamic discussions on issues ranging from regulatory improvements and infrastructure development to mergers, acquisitions, and local content policies. The program is geared toward fostering investment, promoting downstream beneficiation, and accelerating inclusive economic growth through value-added mineral processing. Country Spotlights Country Spotlights will take center stage at AMW, offering targeted investment intelligence and updates from key African mining jurisdictions. The country spotlights will highlight opportunities within the world's largest platinum group metals producer; South Africa, which accounts for over 80% of the world's total reserves. The Zambia spotlight will showcase opportunities resulting from efforts by the country to increase its copper output to three million tons per annum by 2031. Today, Zambia ranks as Africa's second largest copper producer. The spotlight on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – the world's largest cobalt producer and Africa's leading copper producer – will connect investors with emerging opportunities as the country intensifies the creation of Special Economic Zones for electric vehicle manufacturing using local mineral resources. Botswana's diamond-led economic growth strategy, Gabon's evolving landscape under its reformed Mining Code, and Morocco's phosphate-driven value addition will be unpacked during the country spotlights. Emerging lithium markets in Namibia and Zimbabwe will also be in focus, as these countries position themselves as key suppliers for battery and green technology supply chains. Dedicated Forums Dedicated forums and summits at AMW will provide platforms for deeper engagement on sector-specific themes. The Ministerial Forum will showcase policy reform initiatives to boost investor confidence and unlock project pipelines. The Gold Summit will explore Africa's position in global gold markets, while the Women in Leadership Forum will promote gender inclusion across the extractive industries. The Technology Forum will feature cutting-edge mining solutions powered by AI, automation, and data analytics. The Junior Miners Forum will create a dedicated space for emerging companies to connect with financiers, development partners, and technology providers. Regional Roundtables AMW 2025 will host a series of Regional Roundtables to catalyze multi-billion-dollar collaborations between Africa and global partners and position the continent as a competitive hub for mineral development and beneficiation. The U.S.-Africa, China-Africa, European Partnerships in Mining, and Middle East-Africa roundtables will promote joint ventures, infrastructure financing, knowledge exchange, and innovation transfer. Technical Workshops Technical Workshops will provide hands-on training and in-depth learning opportunities for engineers, ESG professionals, and mining executives. Topics will include sustainable mineral processing, ESG compliance, AI-powered exploration, and advanced drilling technologies. High Level Panel Discussions Throughout the three-day event, AMW 2025 will also serve as a high-level platform for strategic discussions that address Africa's pressing industry challenges. These include sector financing, environmental and social governance, supply chain traceability, formalization of small-scale mining, skills development, and the broader implications of digitalization in mining operations. Ministers, regulators, service providers, and industry leaders will come together to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and turn insights into action. African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference on October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
APO Group Launches WhatsApp Distribution to Expand Real-Time Media Reach Across Africa
APO Group ( the leading, award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has introduced WhatsApp into its growing distribution ecosystem. By leveraging Africa's most widely used messaging app, APO Group is enhancing the speed, reach, and accessibility of reliable news. The newly launched Africa Newsroom WhatsApp channels provide a streamlined way for media practitioners to browse, share, and publish press releases. APO Group's WhatsApp distribution now operates similarly to the company's Telegram channels, offering news in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to accommodate Africa's diverse languages and regional needs. With an estimated 200 million users across Africa—including 90–100 million in Nigeria, 28–29 million in South Africa, and 20–21 million in Ghana—WhatsApp stands as a vital communication tool. APO Group's strategic move bridges the gap between PR professionals, journalists, and digital content creators, responding to the continent's evolving media consumption habits. Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, commented: 'At APO Group, we don't just share Africa's stories—we power them with purpose and precision. Integrating WhatsApp into our distribution network is more than innovation; it's a commitment to making African voices more immediate, more accessible, and more impactful than ever before. This is how we honour the continent we serve—by meeting its people where they are, and delivering news that matters, faster and farther.' Following the success of its Telegram rollout, APO Group continues to adapt its PR services to meet the demands of a fast-paced, digital-first media environment. 'This is more than distribution—it's about empowerment, accessibility, and real-time storytelling,' Wijne added. By equipping clients and news professionals with the tools to communicate more effectively, APO Group is helping close the media gap and strengthen African narratives. With the Africa Newsroom platform, Telegram integration, and now WhatsApp, the company is reshaping the future of public relations across the continent and ensuring Africa's voice resonates globally. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
