Benin, a French-speaking West African nation, is a birthplace of the vodun (or “voodoo”) religion and home to the former Dahomey Kingdom from circa 1600–1900.
Benin’s economy is supported by agriculture, particularly cotton production, and a growing services sector. The government’s focus on infrastructure development and regional trade integration, along with a young and dynamic population, positions Benin as a rising economic star in West Africa.
Benin operates a civil law system based on the French model. The legal system is grounded in the Constitution of 1990, and the judiciary includes the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and lower courts. There are also specialized courts for labor and commercial matters.
- Corporate and Commercial Law: Assisting with company formation, compliance, and commercial transactions.
- Agricultural Law: Advising on agricultural investments, land use, and regulatory compliance.
- Trade and Customs Law: Legal support for trade agreements, customs regulations, and re-export activities.
- Intellectual Property: Protection and enforcement of IP rights for businesses.
- Litigation and Arbitration: Representing clients in dispute resolution processes.
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): Promotes economic integration and cooperation among West African countries.
- AfCFTA: Facilitates intra-African trade and investment.
- West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU): Aims to create a common market and monetary union among member states.
- African Union (AU): Participates in AU initiatives and programs.
- ECOWAS: Key member in regional economic and political matters.
- WAEMU: Engages in economic and monetary integration efforts.
United Nations (UN): Member state involved in various UN agencies and initiatives
key contacts
Director, Head of Civil & OHADA law
With nearly 15 years of legal experience, Abdoul Mtoka is armed with a wealth of recognised experience in legal matters across Africa and Europe including in France, Belgium, Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania, as well as in OHADA member States such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Congo, Mali, Chad, Togo, Burkina Faso, among others.
Africase Attorneys is an international business law firm specialising in cross-border transactions, litigation, and arbitration across Africa. For decades, our international advocates developed an in-depth understanding of Africa and are working in the major capitals of Africa. We provide first-class and innovative legal solutions in Africa to our international clients including international corporations, NGOs, public institutions and States, international organisations, as well as local clients for their international transactions or interactions with foreign persons and entities. Along with an in-depth knowledge of Africa and its cultures, Africase Attorneys offer innovative, timely and efficient legal solutions specifically tailored to meet our international clients’ requirements and deadlines for their operations within the continent.