Includes special features of this country’s banking system and rules/laws that might impact U.S. business.

The banking system in Benin is regulated by the regional central bank, Banque Centrale des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BCEAO) and the Banking Commission of the West African Monetary Union (WAEMU, or in French, Commission Bancaire de l’Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA)).  All banks in Benin are private sector institutions and belong to either an international or regional banking group.  These banks are often reluctant to lend for medium- and long-term loans.

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