Flag of Benin Republic of Benin

Pilot country for the RMS Impact initiative

Context and Opportunities

With its strong commitment to digital development and improving access to basic services, Benin represents a strategic partner for the initial deployment of RMS Impact. Rural areas, particularly in the north, suffer from limited access to reliable energy, drinking water, and stable internet connectivity, creating strong demand for an integrated solution like ours.

Potential Intervention Zones

Our preliminary studies have identified several priority areas in the departments of Atacora, Donga, and Alibori, where the electrification rate is low and water needs are significant. The goal is to deploy a first cluster of sites to validate the economic and social model before a national expansion.

Institutional Partnership

A collaboration is being discussed with the **Ministry of Energy, Water, and Mines** as well as the **Agency for the Development of Rural Electrification and Energy Management (ADERME)** to align our deployment strategy with the national master plan.

Benin at a glance

  • Population: ~13.7 million (2023 est.)
  • Area: 114,763 km²
  • GDP per capita: ~ $1,700 USD (2023 est.)
  • Political Regime: Presidential Republic
RMS Impact Potential
  • Potential number of sites: 15-20 sites
  • Project Status: Pilot phase being structured.

Access Rates & Estimated Impact

⚡ Energy

~42%

National electricity access rate (Source: World Bank, 2021).

RMS Impact's Contribution: Goal to connect +15,000 people.
💧 Drinking Water

~70%

Rural access rate to drinking water (Source: UNICEF, 2022).

RMS Impact's Contribution: Provide secure and permanent access.
📡 Internet

~34%

Internet penetration rate (Source: DataReportal, 2023).

RMS Impact's Contribution: Offer high-speed connection in off-grid areas.

Potential Economic Activities for Beneficiaries

Access to energy and internet is a catalyst for local entrepreneurship.

  • Direct activities: Management of phone charging points, sale of Wi-Fi top-up cards, first-level maintenance of solar and water installations.
  • Indirect activities: Development of small businesses requiring refrigeration (shops, bars), sewing or welding workshops, secretarial services (printing, photocopying), online training centers, telemedicine consultations, and e-commerce participation for local artisans.