Benin’s Economic and Social Council (CES) moves to review country's digital code

The Economic and Social Council (CES) has initiated moves by hosting an  informational session aimed at examining Benin's Digital Code as a cornerstone of national digital transformation. Digital Affairs Minister, Aurélie Adam Soule Zoumarou led the government delegation in presenting the comprehensive legal framework to CES members, highlighting its critical role in Benin's digital economy development. 

First adopted in 2017 and updated in 2024, the Digital Code serves as Benin's equivalent of a "highway code" for the digital sphere. Minister Zoumarou emphasized its dual function: establishing clear regulations for digital operators while enabling legal recognition of electronic transactions. "This framework makes possible what was previously unimaginable – fully digital public services with legal validity," the Minister stated, referencing provisions for electronic documents and digital signatures that underpin Benin's administrative digitization efforts. 

The session revealed how the Code creates an enabling environment for infrastructure deployment, service innovation, and investor confidence through standardized rules and penalties for digital misconduct. CES President, Conrad Gbaguidi endorsed the framework as "an essential lever for modernizing Benin's institutions and economy," pledging the Council's support for its implementation. 

Beyond regulatory functions, the Digital Code positions Benin as a West African digital governance leader. Its provisions facilitate Benin's ambitious e-government program while providing legal certainty for private sector digital innovation. The Minister noted its role in attracting technology investments and structuring emerging digital markets – key priorities as Benin implements its 2025 Digital Transformation Strategy. 

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye