The 6th Benin Scientific Days on the Economy (JSEB) culminated on November 28, 2025, not just with an award ceremony, but with a powerful consensus: for emerging economies, building robust institutions is not a secondary policy goal—it is the foundational prerequisite for sustainable growth. The event, hosted at Cotonou’s Golden Tulip Hotel and organized by the Directorate General of the Economy (DGE), transcended a typical academic conference to become a strategic dialogue on Benin’s and Africa’s developmental future.
Centered on the resonant theme “Institutions and the Prosperity of Nations,” the 2025 JSEB assembled a distinguished cohort of international researchers, academics, policymakers, and development partners. This convergence underscored a global shift in economic thinking—moving beyond simplistic fiscal and monetary prescriptions to grapple with the complex, often informal, rules that govern societies.
The intellectual heft of the forum was established by two inaugural conferences. The first was delivered by Professor James Robinson, co-author of the seminal work “Why Nations Fail” and the 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics, whose life’s work argues that inclusive political and economic institutions are the primary drivers of prosperity. His presence framed the entire discussion. The second was led by Professor Adama Diaw, offering a crucial African scholarly perspective. A subsequent high-level dialogue between Professors Robinson and Théophile Azomahou provided a dynamic exchange between global theory and regional application.
In the parallel sessions, 42 peer-reviewed articles were presented, dissecting the intricate links between institutional quality, governance, and economic outcomes. The collective research presented a stark, evidence-based warning: In the absence of strong institutions—characterized by political stability, effective control of corruption, and a reliable rule of law—even well-designed economic policies yield limited, fragile, and often inequitable results. The discussions moved from diagnosis to prescription, emphasizing that coherent governance is the essential engine for catalyzing industrialization, broadening financial inclusion, and ensuring public spending translates into tangible public goods.
Spotlight on Groundbreaking Research: The Winning Article
The closing ceremony’s highlight was the award for Best JSEB Article 2025, selected through rigorous peer review. The winning paper, “Mining, Ethnic Distance to Power, and Institutional Trust” by Ouédraogo Mamadi and Théophile Azomahou, exemplifies the cutting-edge, context-sensitive research the forum champions.
Professor Jude Eggoh, Director of Research and Strategic Studies at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, detailed why the article prevailed. It combined methodological rigor with originality, leveraging rich datasets like Afrobarometer surveys and geolocated mining data. Its core finding is profoundly significant for resource-rich nations: “Mining activities, often seen as an economic boon, can actually erode trust in institutions.” This erosion is compounded by “ethnic distance to power”—the social and political marginalization of certain ethnic groups from centers of authority and resource control.
Professor Eggoh noted, “The implications are significant… This research provides a framework for understanding how resource wealth, if not managed within inclusive and transparent institutions, can fuel identity tensions and undermine the social contract.” The article moves the conversation from abstract institutional theory to the gritty reality of how extractive industries interact with societal fractures.
From Recognition to Impact: A Pathway for Policy
Director General of the Economy, Aristide Médénou, expressed deep satisfaction with the forum’s output and confirmed the ministry’s commitment to translating insights into action. The winning article will receive prominent promotion on official government portals and dedicated media coverage. “The ministry will promote the best article… The press will take over to highlight it,” he announced, signaling an intent to bridge the gap between academia and public discourse.
Beyond the trophy and certificate, the most tangible outcome is the commitment to publish standout papers in an international scientific journal, amplifying Benin’s scholarly contribution on the global stage. The DGE’s gratitude extended to the organizational team, whose efforts facilitated this critical exchange of ideas.
The Lasting Legacy of JSEB 2025
The 6th JSEB concluded by reaffirming a central truth for Benin’s development trajectory: investments in physical infrastructure and human capital can only realize their full potential when underpinned by inclusive, accountable, and transparent institutions. The award-winning research on mining and trust serves as a potent case study, reminding policymakers that economic strategies must be institutionally intelligent to be truly successful. The forum has thus set a clear, evidence-based agenda for the nation’s continued progress.
Akpédjé Ayosso
www.24haubenin.bj; Real-time information
Subscribe to the official 24h au Bénin WhatsApp channel, by clicking here, to follow the news.
November 29, 2025 by ,