Benin is a West African nation renowned as the birthplace of the Vodun religion and the site of the historic Dahomey Kingdom. Its seat of government is Porto-Novo, while the coastal city of Cotonou serves as the vibrant economic and commercial capital. With a population of approximately 14 million, the economy is centered on agriculture and transit trade. Major industries include cotton processing, food production, and textiles, while primary exports consist of raw cotton, cashews, and shea butter.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union services in Benin are widely accessible through Ecobank, NSIA Banque, and the La Poste du Bénin network.
- Cotonou – Ganhi, Akpakpa, Saint-Michel, and Fidjrossè
- Porto-Novo – Grand Marché and Ouando
- Parakou – Quartier Depot and Main Market
- Abomey-Calavi – Near the University and Kpota
- Bohicon – Near the railway hub
- Djougou – Central District
- Natitingou – Town Centre
- Ouidah – Near the historical district
- Kandi – Main Road
- Lokossa – Mono District hub
- Savè – Town Centre
- Malanville – Border station area
MoneyGram
MoneyGram is available through United Bank for Africa (UBA), Bank of Africa (BOA), and Société Générale branches.
- Cotonou – Haie Vive and Steinmetz
- Porto-Novo – Catchi area
- Parakou – Banikanni
- Abomey – Historic Centre
- Allada – Main Road
- Comè – Market area
- Dassa-Zoumé – Transport hub
- Tchaourou – Central Market
Ria Money Transfer
Ria services are primarily facilitated by Orabank, BGFI Bank, and Coris Bank International.
- Cotonou – Cadjehoun and Zongo
- Porto-Novo – Attakè
- Parakou – Albarika
- Sèmè-Kpodji – Near the Nigerian border
- Nikki – Main Market
- Banikoara – Cotton belt hub
Major Bank & Financial Partners
In Benin, the following licensed institutions handle the majority of international remittances and bank-to-bank transfers:
- Ecobank Bénin
- Bank of Africa (BOA) Bénin
- NSIA Banque Bénin
- United Bank for Africa (UBA) Bénin
- Société Générale Bénin
- Orabank Bénin
- BGFI Bank Bénin
- Coris Bank International
- La Poste du Bénin (National Postal Service)