The 4th FONI took place on 22–23 May 2025 at the Sofitel Hotel in Cotonou, under the sponsorship of Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, around the theme “Private sector financing and the digitalisation of financial and public services for sustainable growth in Africa”.
An institutional opening
After a welcome address by Blaise Ahouantchédé, President of AFRIK FINANCES, Aïssatou Soumaré, CEO of Société Générale Bénin and 1st Vice-President of APBEF-Benin, spoke about SME access to finance. Dr Ngueto Tiraïna Yambaye, CEO of FAGACE and President of the Club of Heads of African Banks and Financial Institutions, highlighted the role of the private sector and guarantee mechanisms. Alban Bienvenu Bessan, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, delivered the Government’s official message.
Discovering Benin
Participants visited the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) and Amazon Square. The Digital Café showcased innovations for the financial ecosystem, and an awards ceremony took place during the forum.
The closing ceremony was chaired by Casimir Migan, 1st Vice-President of the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.