1. BENIN MOVES LOSS CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE ONLINE
The Republican Police has introduced a new digital procedure for obtaining certificates of loss, making the document available exclusively through an online platform from October 1, 2026.
Under the new arrangement, people who lose official documents can apply through the Centre de Documentation et de Sécurité Publique (CDSP) platform instead of obtaining the certificate directly from a police station.
The police said the change is part of efforts to modernise its services, reduce physical administrative procedures and make public services more accessible to citizens.
The designated platform is certificatdeperte.bj. According to the police, applicants can complete the procedure electronically and make the required payment online.
Police stations have not been completely removed from the process. Officers are expected to inform people who arrive at stations about the new procedure and, where necessary, assist them with the digital application. Trained operators may also help users who have difficulties navigating the platform.
The police further warned that officers at police stations should not demand payment or gratification for processing the certificate. Any official payment is to be made electronically through the designated platform.
2. ROMUALD WADAGNI SET FOR FRANCE VISIT, TO MEET MACRON
President Romuald Wadagni is scheduled to travel to France on October 4 and 5, 2026, for an official working visit that will include a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to La Nation, the visit comes as Benin seeks to strengthen its international partnerships and attract additional investment into the country’s economy.
Economic cooperation is expected to feature prominently during the visit, with Benin expected to highlight investment opportunities and major development projects.
Security is also an important component of the relationship, particularly against the backdrop of continuing security challenges in parts of West Africa. The two countries also maintain cooperation in areas including education, training, culture and development.
The visit will therefore provide an opportunity for Cotonou and Paris to review their bilateral relationship and discuss ways of strengthening cooperation across several sectors.
3. HAAC AUTHORISES 89 ONLINE MEDIA ORGANISATIONS
The High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) has signed conventions with 89 media organisations following the country’s process for authorising online media platforms.
The signing ceremony took place in Cotonou on October 1, 2026, and represents a major development in the formalisation of Benin’s growing digital media industry.
The authorised organisations include platforms providing online audiovisual and written press services. Their formal recognition places them within the country’s regulatory framework and subjects them to professional and ethical requirements.
HAAC said the process is aimed at strengthening regulation, professionalism and responsible journalism in the digital space.
The media organisations are expected to comply with provisions of Benin’s Information and Communication Code as well as the Digital Code. They are also expected to improve the quality of information they publish and respect journalistic ethics.
HAAC President Édouard Loko described the process as an important step toward bringing the affected media organisations into compliance with the law. Media representatives, meanwhile, said formal recognition could help online media become more structured and economically sustainable.
4. COTONOU MUNICIPALITY CONFIRMS RESIGNATION OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
There has been a leadership change at the Cotonou municipal administration following the resignation of Executive Secretary Anges Paterne Amoussouga.
The resignation, which had been circulating as a possibility for several days, was confirmed by the municipal authorities through a communiqué dated October 1, 2026.
According to the information published by Banouto, Amoussouga’s departure was attributed to personal reasons.
The position of executive secretary is central to the day-to-day administration of the municipality, making the development significant for Cotonou’s local government.
Further attention is expected on who will take over the administrative responsibilities and how the transition will affect ongoing municipal programmes.
5. 2026/2027 UNIVERSITY ADMISSION RESULTS RELEASED
Students seeking admission into several public higher institutions in Benin have received their results after the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research published the outcome of the 2026 entrance examinations.
The results were released on October 1, 2026, covering first-year admission into 11 schools and national institutes.
Among the institutions covered are:
- École Normale Supérieure de Natitingou
- École Normale Supérieure de Porto-Novo
- ENSET
- Institut National Médico-Sanitaire
- IFSIO
- ENEAM
- ENSPD
- ENSTIC
- INSPEI
- INJEPS
- IUEP
The release gives successful candidates an opportunity to begin preparations for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The Ministry has made the admission lists available by institution, allowing candidates to check whether they were selected for their chosen programmes.
6. 36 MOTORCYCLES IMPOUNDED, TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN PÉHUNCO
A road-control operation in Ouassa-Péhunco has resulted in the impoundment of 36 motorcycles and the arrest of two individuals.
The operation was carried out on September 28, 2026, along the RN8 in the central arrondissement of Ouassa-Péhunco.
According to the reported account, the operation was linked to violations involving documentation and the use of motorcycles. Two people were subsequently taken into custody as authorities continued their investigations.
The operation forms part of wider security and road-control activities aimed at enforcing regulations and identifying suspected fraudulent practices involving motorcycles and their documents.
7. TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED AS FIVE STOLEN MOTORCYCLES ARE FOUND IN PAHOU
Police in Pahou have arrested two suspects following the discovery of five motorcycles allegedly linked to theft.
The motorcycles were reportedly found hidden inside a room at Houndjava, in the Pahou area.
One of the suspects is reported to be a mechanic. Police investigations are expected to establish the origin of the motorcycles, identify possible owners and determine whether the suspects are connected to a wider motorcycle-theft network.
The development comes amid continuing police operations targeting motorcycle theft and other forms of urban crime in different parts of Benin.
8. BENIN PROMOTES MADE-IN-BENIN PRODUCTS THROUGH OCTOBER
Benin has launched the Mois du Consommons Local, an initiative running throughout October to promote locally produced goods and services.
The campaign places renewed attention on Made-in-Benin products, domestic producers and businesses, with the broader objective of encouraging consumers to purchase locally produced goods.
The initiative also provides an opportunity to showcase local entrepreneurship and strengthen the connection between producers and consumers.
The October campaign is part of efforts to increase the visibility and competitiveness of local products while encouraging greater participation in the domestic economy.
9. BENIN PREPARES FOR FRIENDLY MATCH AGAINST ARGENTINA
Benin’s Guépards are preparing for a major international friendly against Argentina during the October FIFA international window.
Argentina is scheduled to face Benin on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, after first playing Burkina Faso on October 3.
The fixture was reportedly initiated by the Argentine Football Association and subsequently confirmed by the Benin Football Federation.
The match gives Benin an opportunity to test itself against one of the world’s leading national teams while providing the Guépards with international exposure ahead of future competitive fixtures.
10. BENIN’S ONLINE MEDIA LANDSCAPE ENTERS A NEW REGULATORY PHASE
Beyond the authorisation of the 89 media organisations, the latest HAAC decision signals a broader change in how digital journalism operates in Benin.
The country’s media consumption has increasingly shifted toward smartphones, websites, social networks and other digital platforms. HAAC and media representatives therefore see formalisation as an important part of bringing online journalism into the established professional framework.
The newly authorised media organisations will have greater formal recognition, but they will also carry corresponding responsibilities regarding accuracy, professional ethics and the quality of information disseminated to the public.
For online publishers operating in Benin, the development is particularly significant because it reinforces the importance of operating within the country’s applicable media and digital regulations.
