Deeper economic integration between Benin and Nigeria has an estimated potential of 1.345 billion dollars in annual revenue and 26,000 direct jobs. These figures, drawn from a study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2025, are cited in the Benin Economic Outlook published by the World Bank in September 2026. They represent estimated opportunities, not revenue or jobs already realised.
Grain processing, notably rice, maize and soya, tops the identified opportunities, with 310 million dollars in potential annual revenue and 11,000 direct jobs. International universities represent a potential of 270 million dollars, and the logistics positioning of the Port of Cotonou 180 million.
In Estimated potential, US$ million per year
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Source: IFC, Economic integration between Nigeria and Benin (2025), World Bank publication September 2026, p. 27
| Category | Estimated potential, US$ million per year |
|---|---|
| Cereals | 310 |
| Universities | 270 |
| Logistics platform | 180 |
| Livestock and meat | 140 |
| Textiles | 100 |
| Tourism | 100 |
| Electricity | 100 |
| Data centres | 50 |
| Business process outsourcing and film | 50 |
| Recycled plastics | 25 |
| Remittances | 15 |
| Creative industries | 5 |
Textiles, tourism and electricity among the opportunities
The study puts the potential linked to livestock and meat at 140 million dollars. Textiles, tourism and electricity exports to Nigeria would each represent 100 million dollars. Added to this are data centres (50 million), outsourced services and film (50 million), recycled plastics (25 million), remittances (15 million) and creative industries (5 million).
For direct jobs, the IFC notably identifies 11,000 positions in cereals, 6,000 in tourism, 5,000 in textiles, 2,000 in universities, 1,000 in electricity and 1,000 in outsourced services and film.
Trade also depends on border infrastructure
The World Bank cites the introduction of one-stop border posts, the launch of the SIGMAT digital system at Sèmè-Kraké in May 2025 and deeper customs cooperation as levers for trade facilitation.
On electricity, the institution also cites a theoretical possibility of supplying part of the Lagos–Ogun–Oyo corridor from Benin. This outlet would depend in particular on reliable interconnections and agreements between the two countries.