SEOUL — The Bénin is positioning itself as a stable gateway to West Africa’s entire market, emphasized its foreign minister Corinne Amori Brunet during an exclusive interview in Seoul. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the high-level Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at the Lotte Hotel in the South Korean capital.

While Bénin may be viewed as a small market in isolation, Brunet argued it offers far greater potential. «By itself, Bénin might seem like a modest market, but its true strength lies elsewhere,» she stated. The minister highlighted the country’s political stability, investor-friendly policies, and strategic geographic location—rather than potential mineral wealth—as its core advantages.

As a member of both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Bénin serves as a critical maritime hub and distribution corridor for the broader West African region. This role is supported by the country’s industrial transformation, robust trade policies, and seamless regional connectivity.

«While geological surveys could eventually reveal critical minerals, that is not our immediate focus,» Brunet explained. «Our priority today is fostering trade and attracting investors who can leverage Bénin’s position within the regional market.»

Brunet expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation between Bénin and South Korea across investments, industrial development, and cultural exchanges. She noted that both nations share a history of rapid transformation, with Bénin undergoing significant modernization over the past decade.

«Bénin has undergone a decade of sweeping changes, modernizing its infrastructure and creating an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investment—particularly from South Korea,» she said. Under the leadership of President Romuald Wadagni, she added, these reforms have gained momentum.

The minister cited key achievements, including:

• The Cotonou Port, the country’s main commercial gateway, now equipped with smart logistics and digitalized customs procedures;
• The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone, one of West Africa’s leading industrial hubs;
• Full digitalization of the national administration system.

Monday’s meeting marked a «significant milestone» following the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, she noted. «This gathering is about turning past commitments into tangible cooperation projects.»

Brunet also emphasized the importance of deepening cultural ties, highlighting plans to showcase Bénin’s rich heritage in South Korea. She referenced the 2021 repatriation of 26 looted artifacts from France and proposed organizing a traveling exhibition of these items in Seoul.

«South Korea and Bénin share a common history. In less than a generation, Korea transformed its national trajectory through discipline, reform, and development—exactly what we have been doing for over a decade,» she concluded.

Brunet, who assumed her post last month as part of a new administration, is on her first official overseas visit.