Bénin parliament passes 2026 revised budget law
Bénin’s lawmakers unanimously approved the rectified finance law for the 2026 fiscal year on Friday, June 19, 2026. The vote, which passed with full support from all present and represented deputies, aims to realign the state budget with the new government structure and executive priorities.
This revised legislation enables the government to make mid-year budgetary adjustments. It comes at a time when the administrative apparatus is being reorganised and fresh executive directions are being taken into account.
According to the finance committee report delivered in plenary by its chair, Gérard Gbénonchi, the revision specifically seeks to adapt budget allocations for newly created or restructured ministries. The goal is to ensure these entities have the necessary resources to carry out their missions.
The adopted text modifies certain budget forecasts without upsetting the core financial balances set for 2026. The adjustments mainly involve reallocating credits to reflect the new government architecture.
The finance committee indicates that this redistribution of resources should help improve administrative efficiency and policy coordination. It also ensures continuity of state action in priority sectors.
The revised law maintains emphasis on social spending, measures to support purchasing power, agriculture, employment, and public investments with economic and social impact.
Growth maintained at 7.5%
On the macroeconomic front, growth projections remain at 7.5%. The budget deficit is set at 3.1% of gross domestic product, a level close to the 3% community ceiling within the West African Economic and Monetary Union.
The text also introduces measures to modernise tax administration. These include digitising control procedures, improving taxpayer monitoring, and adapting certain provisions to the evolving digital economy.
The law additionally addresses activities carried out by non-resident operators and income from digital platforms. These provisions aim to broaden the tax base and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation.
Following its adoption by parliament, the 2026 rectified finance law now moves into the implementation phase by the government and relevant administrations.
