Canada-Benin relations
On this page
- Bilateral relations
- Trade relations
- Development and humanitarian assistance
- Peace and security
- Partnerships and organizations
Bilateral relations
Canada and Benin established diplomatic relations in 1962, shortly after Benin gained its independence in 1960. Canada and Benin enjoy a positive bilateral relationship and commemorated 60 years of a fruitful and dynamic partnership in 2022. They work together in multilateral forums such as La Francophonie and the United Nations, as well as through development cooperation and trade.
Trade relations
Canada and Benin have a stable, long-standing trade relationship. The most promising growth sectors are in the following areas: agriculture, energy, telecommunications, education and vocational training, and road and rail infrastructure. Bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled about $77.1 million in 2025, including $71.1 million in Canadian exports to Benin and $6.0 million in Canadian imports from the country. This represents an increase of 77% from 2024. Canadian exports to Benin consisted mainly of motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as fertilizer. Top imports were agricultural, fishing, and intermediate food products.
Beninese students in Canada
In 2024, 1,050 Beninese students held valid permits to study in Canada. Education is an important sector in Canada-Benin relations. There are several partnerships between Beninese and Canadian universities.
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Development and humanitarian assistance
In 2024-2025, Canada provided over $49.2 million in development assistance to Benin across all channels, including $38.29 million through various Global Affairs Canada programs. The development program is in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and Canada’s Africa Strategy, as well as with Benin’s Government Action Plan for 2021 to 2026 and Benin’s Vision 2060. Canada’s programming in Benin aims to advance shared priorities in economic growth and security by helping to foster a more business-friendly, secure, and democratic environment, as well as by improving more inclusive access to social services. Gender equality and resilience to climate change are integrated into all programming.
Please visit the Project Browser for more details on programming in Benin.
Peace and security
Canada is helping strengthen regional cooperation designed to combat human smuggling between Benin, Togo and Ghana through activities to make common borders more secure and improve information sharing and coordination mechanisms. Benin also benefits from the Canadian Armed Forces’ Military Training Cooperation Program. In May 2024, Canadian Armed Forces offered combat first aid training in Benin. In September 2025, Canada also donated modular tents to the Beninese Armed Forces. Additionally, in March 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research conducted gender-based training for military officers, which was made possible by Canadian funding.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Benin work closely in multilateral forums, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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