Bénin brings press card applications online in push to modernize media regulation 🇧🇯 🗞️

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Since July 2025, media professionals in Benin can now apply for their press cards entirely online, thanks to a new platform launched by the country’s media regulator. Spearheaded by the seventh term of the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), led by former journalist Édouard Loko, the initiative marks a significant step toward digitizing media governance in the country.

A streamlined digital process 🖥️

The key innovation is a dedicated online portal — cartedepresse.haac.bj — where journalists can create personal accounts, input required information, and submit their applications. The entire process has been simplified into three streamlined steps, drastically reducing the need for in-person visits and cutting down on administrative red tape.

One standout feature is real-time application tracking. Journalists receive updates at every stage of the process, which not only shortens wait times but also adds a layer of transparency. Previously, the process was often criticized as slow and opaque — this digital shift promises to change that.

Eligibility requirements are also clearly listed on the site. Notably, applicants must be registered with the National Social Security Fund — a condition designed to ensure journalists operate within the legal and professional framework of Benin’s media landscape.

A turning point in media regulation 📑

Going digital reflects the government’s broader ambition to modernize public services while reinforcing professional standards in journalism. It’s a move toward fairer, more efficient oversight that aligns with the realities of a digital-first world.

Until now, press cards were issued through a largely manual process often bogged down by delays and inefficiencies. With this new system, the HAAC is responding to long-standing frustrations from journalists and offering a faster, safer, and more accessible way to obtain this essential credential.

A boost for press freedom and professional recognition 📰

Beyond simplifying bureaucracy, this initiative also strengthens the professional status of journalists in Benin. The press card isn’t just a formality — it’s a critical tool for asserting press freedom and protecting those working in the field.

By embracing digital tools and transparency, the HAAC signals a clear commitment to modernizing the media sector. The reform promotes responsible journalism while creating working conditions that meet international standards.

Long-awaited by industry professionals, this digital shift also supports broader goals of open governance and democratic development. It’s not just a win for journalists — it’s a step forward for the rule of law and civil society as a whole.

👉🏾 What’s your take on Benin’s move to digitize press card applications? Smart step or overdue fix ?