Kuwait Offerings

Benin’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Mgidou Soumano Issoufou, has revealed that his country is in the final stages of launching a joint strategic project aimed at strengthening Kuwait’s food security. The initiative, focused on agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, is being developed in collaboration with the Benin Ministry of Agriculture and Kuwait’s Public Authority for Agriculture.

Speaking at a farewell event hosted by the Diplomatic Corps Deanship at the conclusion of his tenure, Ambassador Issoufou highlighted the project’s goal of enhancing bilateral trade by increasing the export of halal meat and other food products from Benin to Kuwait.

The ambassador emphasized the steady growth of Benin-Kuwait relations across various sectors. He noted the signing of key agreements and memoranda of understanding, including one on domestic workers and another granting mutual visa exemptions for diplomatic, official, and special passport holders—further deepening cooperation between the two nations.

Strengthening Economic and Development Ties

Ambassador Issoufou also praised the economic partnership between the two countries, highlighting the role of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in supporting major infrastructure projects in Benin. These include drinking water initiatives in Koufé, Zagnadou, Boukoumbi, Bassila, and Alada, along with programs aimed at improving agricultural services and the construction of the Tchaourou Central Hospital and six additional health centers.

He acknowledged the positive momentum in areas such as education, cultural exchange, media, communications, and anti-corruption efforts. He also referenced a cultural initiative involving visits by Kuwaiti students to Benin and increased diplomatic and ministerial engagements.

Recognition of Diplomatic Efforts

Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Zubaydullah Zubaydov, commended Ambassador Issoufou’s accomplishments over his eight-year tenure. He praised his dedication to strengthening bilateral relations and building effective partnerships between Kuwaiti and Beninese organizations, including the establishment of NGO branches in Benin.

Rising Beninese Community in Kuwait

Ambassador Issoufou expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s humanitarian contributions to Africa through various charitable organizations. He highlighted his personal efforts to support the Beninese community in Kuwait, noting a significant increase in population—from just 900 in 2017 to approximately 8,800 today—reflecting improved employment opportunities and welfare support.