A register for associations and foundations in Benin

Prof. KALIEU ELONGO Yvette Rachel
University of Dschang, Cameroon

As same as companies that are registered in the trade and movable property register in OHADA countries, associations and foundations created in Benin will now be listed in the register of associations and foundations. This is thanks to Decree 2025-575 of September 24, 2025, establishing the register of associations and foundations in the Republic of Benin, which was itself signed following Law No. 2025-19 of July 22, 2025, relating to associations and foundations.

As its name suggests, this register intends to receive registrations from associations, foundations, and non-governmental organizations created in the form of associations or foundations. It also receives all information relating to associations, including annual reports, income statements, and dissolution decisions.

The registrer is kept electronically by the Minister responsible for public  security , who also keeps a journal of the register of associations and foundations. This is a legal notices journal wich receives declarations of existence and amendments concerning associations and foundations are published. The register’s journal, when in electronic form, can be freely consulted by anyone. It can also be transferred to any interest party , whether in electronic or printed form.

The Decree also specified the list of documents required for the declaration or registration of associations and foundations.

At a time where creation of associations and foundations is on the rise in Benin and other African countries, and some of them involved in money laundering, the creation of the association and foundations’ register is to be welcomed.