The government of Benin has begun distributing cash transfers to poor households as part of its new social protection program, known as GBESSOKÉ.
The first payments went out on Thursday, Sept. 18, and by the next day, recipients across 12 pilot communes reported receiving funds on their mobile phones.
According to the government, more than 20,000 beneficiaries received a total of 208 million CFA francs ($334,000) in the first round of payments.
Women make up 85 percent of recipients. Transfers will continue every month for nine months.
In the sixth and ninth months, each household will receive an additional 50,000 CFA francs ($81) to support income-generating activities.
The pilot phase covers one commune in each of Benin’s 12 departments. About 4 billion CFA francs ($6.5 million) have already been mobilized for the initiative.
Before launching the program, the government conducted household certification through the national statistics institute and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Beneficiaries also received secure SIM cards to ensure transparency in the electronic transfers.
Local complaint management committees have been established to resolve issues fairly and efficiently.
Social Affairs and Microfinance Minister Véronique Tognifodé said the program marks a shift from assistance to economic resilience.
She spoke during a visit to Za-Kpota, where SIM cards were distributed to recipients.
The government plans to expand the program to all 77 communes.
The goal is to support 150,000 extremely poor households through direct financial aid, business training, and access to local social protection offices.
The program is part of the national 2021-2026 action plan to reduce poverty and improve economic stability.
COTONOU, Benin – Bantu Agency
