‘No Plan’—Benin Hilariously Admits Defeat to ‘the God’ Lionel Messi Ahead of Farewell Match Benin will be the last opponent Lionel Messi faces in his international career. Sports Illustrated · 23m ago
Messi set for emotional Argentina farewell in Buenos Aires friendly vs Benin Argentina fans are hopeful for the future of their national team following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. The team has shown immense potential with impressive victories against Bolivia and Burkina Faso without their legendary player. Coach Lionel Scaloni emphasizes the need for unity and confidence in the new generation… The Economic Times · 5h ago
When is Lionel Messi's final Argentina game and who are the opponents? The legendary No10, considered by many as the greatest player of all time, is playing one final time for his country Evening Standard · 9h ago
Economic growth and democratic decline: the ‘cotton king’ who reshaped Benin Patrice Talon has transformed the west African country’s economy and infrastructure at the expense of political freedom The Guardian - UK · Sep 30
Messi’s exit leaves Argentina with impossible task of replacing their superhero When things are going awry, Argentina will no longer be able to rely on their ultimate get-out clause after Lionel Messi’s farewell against Benin The Guardian - UK · Sep 26
When is Lionel Messi’s Final Argentina Game? The soccer world is bracing for the farewell of a living legend. Sports Illustrated · Sep 22
A twin city break showed me why this West African country shouldn’t be overlooked On a tour of Cotonou and Ouidah, Phil Thomas learns about Benin’s unique history, exploring sites that illuminate its voodoo belief system, the lingering shadow of the slave trade and art that looks towards a bright future The Independent UK · Sep 17
Benin bets on turning its cotton crop into clothes at home The fabrics made by Fatoumata Dosso carry the tag “Made in Benin.” The Independent UK · Sep 13
JNIM jihadists step up incursions into northern Benin Al Qaeda affiliate JNIM has been intensifying its activities in Benin since 2022. The country serves as a transit corridor between the areas of operation of the group, which is well established in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Two nature reserves have become logistical hubs for the jihadist fighters. Benin's… France 24 · Sep 9
Trafficked on the last US slave ship, Cudjo Lewis never returned home to Benin. But his descendant has Cassandra Lewis’s Benin citizenship reflects a broader push by African countries to reconnect with diaspora descendants The Guardian - US · Aug 27
In Benin, malnutrition and misinformed views contribute to widespread stunting in children In Benin, stunting affects a third of children under 5 due to malnutrition, despite abundant resources The Independent UK · Aug 21
Beninese-French singer Angélique Kidjo makes history as first Black African to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star “By becoming the first African artist to receive this global honour, the Beninese icon has etched her name into history and raised the rhythms, creativity and dignity of our entire nation to the highest level," said Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni. Euronews · Aug 19
Hollywood honours Angelique Kidjo as first Black African Walk of Fame star Five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo became the first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, marking a milestone for African music. The Beninese-French singer was honored at a ceremony in Los Angeles attended by film stars and leading figures from the music industry. France 24 · Aug 18
Nigeria’s border closure failed to stop smuggling. Here’s why Border closures don’t always produce the intended objectives. The idea is usually to control illegal movements and prohibited goods, lessen informal trade, reinforce customs operations, and regain control of national borders. But history shows that in cases as diverse as England, the Asante Kingdom, the US and colonial Nigeria/Benin, stiffer… The Conversation · Aug 12
Radio France Internationale · Aug 7 Ex-Benin president Talon makes political comeback via newly founded Senate Benin’s newly created Senate elected former president Patrice Talon as its leader on Thursday in Porto-Novo, less than three months after he left office. He will serve a five-year term at the head of the country’s new second chamber of Parliament.
Radio France Internationale · Aug 3 Benin’s new Senate raises questions over power and legitimacy Benin’s new senate was inaugurated in Porto-Novo last week, creating a second chamber of parliament with powers to review legislation, protect constitutional rules and discipline political figures.
France 24 · Jul 31 Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye rushed to hospital after court collapse In tonight's edition: Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye is in hospital after collapsing in court, raising fresh concerns over the treatment of political opponents. Ghana proposes sweeping constitutional reforms that could reshape its political landscape. Meanwhile, Benin steps up its campaign to recover looted cultural treasures and colonial archives from…
Euronews · Jul 27 Masked performers fill Porto-Novo streets in Benin festival Thousands gather in Porto-Novo for Benin's Mask Festival, celebrating ancestral traditions with colourful costumes, dances and masks.
The Economic Times · Jul 10 Gagan Gupta, man on a mission to industrialise Africa Gagan Gupta is industrializing Africa through his Arise holding company. He focuses on processing local resources and creating skilled jobs. Benin is entering the textile industry, exporting garments to international brands. Arise IIP has secured significant investment and is expanding its operations. Gupta believes Africa's industrial transformation is just beginning.
Radio France Internationale · Jul 5 Hunger in northern Nigeria reaches worst levels in nearly a decade, WFP says More than 17 million people across nine conflict-hit states in northern Nigeria face severe hunger, the UN's food agency (WFP) has said, warning that violence and funding cuts are driving food insecurity to its worst level in nearly a decade. Stripped of their livelihoods, some people are fleeing across the…
Radio France Internationale · Jul 3 Severe flooding leaves a trail of death and destruction in West Africa Severe floods have hit Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Togo and Nigeria this week. At least 13 people have been killed in recent days in Ghana and five in Togo, while 59 have died in Côte d’Ivoire since the rainy season began in mid-May.
The Guardian - UK · Jul 2 Côte d’Ivoire floods kill 59 as west Africa endures torrential rains Authorities say rainy season getting deadlier, with Ghana reporting 13 dead and floods hitting Benin, Togo and Nigeria
Euronews · Jun 30 Switzerland returns 18 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria Three Swiss museums have returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, a new step in the African's country decades-long struggle to repatriate its looted cultural heritage.
Radio France Internationale · Jun 1 Africa's finest: Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup chasing a first knockout stage South Africa enter the first 48-team World Cup as Africa's 11th-ranked side in the Fifa standings. In the first instalment of a nine-part series on African squads at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, RFI looks at a nation making its fourth appearance at the finals.
Radio France Internationale · May 25 Wadagni wastes no time forming new Benin government after landslide win After winning Benin’s presidential election by a landslide, Romuald Wadagni unveiled a new, 24-member government just hours after his inauguration on Sunday.