Aviculture: Morocco as the Guest of Honor at the First International Poultry Exhibition in Benin
Morocco has been designated as the guest of honor for the inaugural edition of the International Poultry Show of Benin, which will be held in Cotonou from June 25 to 27, 2026. This distinction underscores the Kingdom’s recognized expertise in the poultry sector and its commitment to agricultural cooperation and food sovereignty in Africa.
Morocco in the Spotlight at the International Poultry Show of Benin
The Kingdom of Morocco is participating as the guest of honor at the first edition of the International Poultry Show of Benin (SIAB), organized in Cotonou under the theme: “Poultry Facing the Challenges of the Food Sovereignty of States”.
The official opening ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, highlighting the importance the Kingdom places on developing agricultural partnerships across the African continent.
Moroccan Expertise Recognized in the Poultry Sector
By choosing Morocco as the guest of honor, the organizers highlight the experience gained by the Kingdom in the development of the poultry sector, now regarded as one of the most structured on the continent.
The show brings together key players in the sector, including breeders, industry professionals, equipment suppliers, veterinarians, investors, and technical and financial partners. The objective is to promote the exchange of expertise, stimulate investments, and support the modernization of Benin’s poultry industry.
South-South Cooperation for Agricultural Development
Morocco’s participation is marked by a significant delegation from the Interprofessional Federation of the Poultry Sector in Morocco (FISA), comprised of around thirty professionals representing all facets of the industry.
This presence fits into the South-South cooperation dynamic initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aimed at strengthening the capacities of partner African countries through skills sharing, knowledge transfer, and the development of joint projects.
A Model Partnership Between Morocco and Benin
Cooperation between Rabat and Cotonou in the poultry sector has significantly strengthened since the signing of a partnership agreement in 2017 between FISA and the Interprofessional Association of Poultry in Benin.
Since then, 18 training sessions have been organized for 439 Beninese professionals, accounting for over 2,180 training days. These programs have covered the entire value chain, including breeding, biosecurity, animal health, feeding, farm management, and the processing of poultry products.
Enhancing Agricultural Cooperation Between the Two Countries
On the sidelines of the show, Ahmed El Bouari held discussions with his Beninese counterpart, Aden Yéton Blokounon Gobalan, to examine prospects for cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions focused on several strategic areas, including irrigation, sustainable water resource management, seed production, development of plant and animal sectors, animal health, agricultural training, and enhancing agri-food chains.
Both officials reaffirmed their desire to consolidate the achievements of the bilateral partnership and to develop new cooperation projects, particularly in the poultry sector through sharing best practices in governance, professional organization, biosecurity, and technical support for producers.
Morocco Confirms Its Commitment to Food Sovereignty in Africa
Through this participation, Morocco reaffirms its ambition to contribute to the development of a modern, sustainable, and resilient African agriculture.
The Kingdom thus continues its commitment to enhancing the continent’s food sovereignty by focusing on innovation, training, strategic partnerships, and the sharing of expertise among African nations.
