Identity, payments, data: Benin lays the groundwork for digital government 🏛️🇧🇯

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On July 16, 2026, Benin’s authorities officially kicked off work on a national roadmap for digital public infrastructure. The goal: connect digital identity, electronic payments and secure data-sharing across government agencies, to cut down on red tape for citizens and businesses alike. It’s an ambition anyone will recognize who’s ever had to hand over the same document at three different counters.

A launch workshop under UNDP’s wing 🌐

The launch workshop, held in Cotonou and organized by Benin’s Information Systems and Digital Agency (ASIN), took place under the aegis of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from DIAL (Digital Impact Alliance) — an organization that helps several countries build out their digital infrastructure — and several other ecosystem partners. The gathering brought together players from microfinance, insurance, banking, mobile network operators, and civil society.

Discussions centered on three pillars: digital identity, electronic payment systems, and secure data exchange between government agencies. Organizers also aimed to clarify each stakeholder’s role, laying the groundwork for a shared governance framework.

Through this roadmap, Benin wants to strengthen the interconnection of its public services. These infrastructures rely on shared platforms that would let agencies exchange certain information securely. According to ASIN, this approach should smooth interactions between the state, citizens and businesses, and improve the quality of public services overall. The country already has several building blocks in place: a biometric digital identity system, interoperable payment solutions, and a national public-services portal.

The « Once Only » principle at the heart of the reform 📄

One of the roadmap’s flagship measures rests on the « Once Only » principle: information already submitted to one agency shouldn’t have to be submitted again to another. When applying for a passport or another document, authorized agencies would be able to pull existing data directly, using the citizen’s personal ID number.

« It’s not right for the state to issue documents and then ask citizens to hand them back in again. We’re actively working to put an end to that, » said Marc-André Loko, Director General of ASIN.

The stated goal is to cut administrative red tape, reduce duplicate paperwork, and shorten processing times.

Interconnection, with safeguards attached 🔒

Making this model work requires tighter interconnection between public information systems — and clear governance rules: who can access what data, which institution is responsible for what, and how personal information gets protected. These safeguards will need to guarantee secure exchanges between agencies while preserving citizens’ data privacy. A multi-sector approach is meant to fold in expectations from both public and private stakeholders as the roadmap takes shape.

ASIN is already running several projects on the digital transformation of local governments, the rollout of broadband and high-speed internet, and phase two of the Smart Gouv program. In May 2026, Benin also joined the international « 50-in-5 » campaign, which supports fifty countries in building secure, inclusive and interoperable digital public infrastructure.

The roadmap will now need to define priority projects, funding arrangements, institutional responsibilities, and a rollout timeline for the different components of the country’s digital infrastructure.

So, which administrative procedures would you most like to see go fully digital, in Cameroon or elsewhere? Tell us in the comments.