A brief history of Benin

The origins of the Benin Empire date back to the 12th century. The history of the country changed after its later colonization by the French and remains painfully marked by the memory of slavery. The Republic of Benin gained its independence in 1960 and, after a long period under a Marxist-Leninist regime, became a democracy in the early 1990’s.

Benin’s cultural wealth springs from the multiculturalism that defines the country. About 42 African ethnic groups coexist in the country, the main three being the Fon (South Central Benin), the Yoruba (in the southeast) and the Bariba (in the north of the country). Benin is the historic cradle of the Voodoo cult and to this day the Beninese culture is still strongly influenced by its cosmology and rites.

Economy in Benin

Economy in Benin is quite diverse: the North specializes in livestock farming, the Center makes for more than half of the national cotton production and the South mostly lives from agriculture and fishing. The geographic repartition of these activities can actually be explained by the climate difference between the tropical zone in the North and the subequatorial South.

There is comparatively little industry activity in Benin, and most of it revolves around the textile sector.

Supporting projects in Benin

Babyloan has been supporting projects in Benin since July 2008 thanks to Finadev, our Beninese partner on the field Supporting the population in Benin is a priority for our social business and as of now, 97% of the projects funded by Babyloan in Benin are held by women.