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BENIN
>> Regional Overview >> Benin Overview
Development Challenge FY2001 Program /
Activity & Budget InformationSummary Tables
Program Summary
Previous Years' Activities
2000, 1999, 1998, 199711
Introduction
Benin continues to be of interest to the United States because of its transition to a democratic, free market society and the continued strengthening of its democratic institutions. History suggests that democratic countries tend to be more stable, prosperous and less likely to provoke conflict with their neighbors than authoritarian countries, and that democratic countries are more apt to play a moderating and restraining role in the event of regional instability and civil strife. Benin has played such a role in the sub-region. For these reasons, Benin is important to U.S. strategic interests in regional stability, promotion of U.S. exports, economic development, democracy, and health. These goals are reflected in the U.S. Embassy Mission Performance Plan.
The Development Challenge
The challenge for Benin is to continue its adherence to the structural adjustment program. In 1999 the economy grew by approximately 5%, up from 4.4% in 1998. However, with the approach of the March 2001 presidential election and the demand for higher wages by trade unions, the Government's commitment to current macroeconomic reforms could weaken.
Benin has an illiteracy rate of 75% overall but primary school enrollment, particularly girls' enrollment, continues to rise. Regional and gender educational disparities still exist, but progress is occurring. Although the Ministry of Education (MOE) is committed to education reform, it remains a highly centralized organization that suffers from inefficiencies. The challenges for the MOE include increasing the number of primary school teachers; reducing student drop out rates; and boosting the utilization of its budget.
Infant and child mortality rates are falling but remain among the highest in West Africa. The major causes of morbidity and mortality of children are malaria, diarrhea, and acute respiratory infections. The fertility rate of six children per women combined with a population growth rate of over 3% per year means that Benin's population will double in less than 25 years. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has made some important policy decisions but obstacles still exist. Current laws continue to present barriers to reproductive health. The Government of Benin (GOB) has not yet put into place adequate policies and mechanisms to facilitate the management of a decentralized health care system and to assure more equitable services.
USAID assistance to Benin is designed to contribute directly to several of the major U.S. foreign policy interests set forth in the State Department's International Affairs Strategic Plan. USAID focuses on three sectors: the education sector promoting equitable education for children; the health sector promoting the increased use of preventive health measures and family health services; and the democracy sector promoting improved governance and reinforced democracy.
Other Donors
The United States is the fifth largest bilateral donor. In 1998 Benin received $235 million in foreign assistance. Major donors were the European Union ($37 million), Denmark ($34 million), Germany ($23 million), the World Bank ($20 million), Japan ($19 million), France ($19 million), the United States ($16 million), the West African Development Bank ($8 million), the African Development Bank ($7 million), and the Netherlands ($7 million).
Benin is a heavily indebted country with an outstanding external debt at the end of 1998 equivalent to 58% of the gross domestic product. Eighty one percent of the debt was owed to multilateral creditors. ). Benin is being considered for debt relief under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.
Country Background Information Resources CIA Factbook
Library of CongressNational Geographic Country Maps
State Dept. Country Information
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Last Updated on: November 09, 2000 |
