In Benin, nationality is not a major issue in the private sector. Multinational companies in the telecommunications and construction sectors frequently employ workers and line managers of non-Beninese nationality. The same applies to agencies representing sub-regional institutions, which generally do not consider nationality a barrier, according to their own claims.
In the public sector, the drive to recruit talent – combined with efforts to sideline political allies in leadership positions – has led to the appointment of non-nationals to certain roles in Benin, including both Africans (such as Rwandans, Senegalese and Togolese) and Europeans.
However, these appointments have sparked public outcry, particularly in sectors considered sensitive by citizens. This situation highlights how, in some African countries, the presence of non-nationals in positions of State responsibility can be met with resistance and skepticism.
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