As part of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SACCI) continued efforts to strengthen international trade relations and promote cross-border business collaboration, the Chamber remains committed to engaging with regional and global partners to drive inclusive economic growth. These partnerships aim to facilitate trade missions, enhance bilateral cooperation and create new market-access opportunities for South African companies seeking to expand beyond local borders.
On 15 October 2025, at SACCI’s offices at 33 Fricker Road, Johannesburg, SACCI officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Benin). This milestone agreement marks another strategic advancement in SACCI’s vision of expanding its continental footprint and fostering mutually beneficial business relations between South Africa and Benin.
The MoU signing ceremony was presided over by Advocate Mtho Xulu, President of SACCI, and Mr Arnaud Akakpo, President of CCI Benin. The Benin delegation travelled to South Africa to participate in the prestigious ceremony, underscoring the importance both chambers place on advancing intra-African trade and private-sector partnerships.
This cooperation agreement is a strong signal that African business communities are ready to collaborate with purpose, strategy and impact. It builds on SACCI’s growing network of partnerships across Africa and is aimed at strengthening commercial linkages, promoting knowledge exchange and positioning South Africa as a gateway for trade and investment on the continent.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, which includes:
- The exchange of commercial and economic data to improve market intelligence
- Joint organisation of business missions, trade fairs and investment forums
- The creation of dedicated platforms to connect entrepreneurs and enterprises from both countries
- The promotion of capacity-building programmes to enhance export readiness and competitiveness.
Benin’s participation in this partnership is particularly significant. Located on the West African coast, Benin serves as a strategic entry point to a 400-million-strong regional market within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With a stable political environment, investor-friendly policies and modernised port infrastructure, Benin is emerging as a reliable trade and logistics hub in West Africa.
From South Africa’s perspective, the partnership represents more than just access to a new market, it opens pathways for local producers, exporters and innovators to explore opportunities in West Africa’s fast-growing economies. It also reinforces SACCI’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda, emphasising the importance of African-led trade solutions and collaborative growth.
This MoU shows the true spirit of continental collaboration. Both SACCI and CCI Benin have committed to coordinated efforts that will improve trade facilitation, support enterprise development and create a platform for sustained economic cooperation.
