Rugby union in Benin poorest countries in the world. Like many African countries, the historical connection with France is a mixed blessing. For a number of years, Beninois rugby players would leave to play there, which deprived rugby in Benin of any real competition. The Benin national rugby union team has not competed since 2005, when they appeared in the north section of the CAR Castel Beer Trophy, after being defeated by Togo and Mali and drawing with Niger. Rugby union in Benin Rugby union in Benin is a minor but growing sport. The governing body is affiliated to the Confederation of African Rugby,
Science and technology in Benin Benin would reduce its reliance on fluctuating global market prices for commodities and create jobs for its rapidly growing population (2.64% per year in 2014). According to the World Bank, 'despite moderate GDP growth of between 4% and 5% annually over the past two decades, poverty remains widespread and on the rise in Benin, with national poverty rates of 37.5% in 2006, 35.2% in 2009, 36.2% in 2011 and 40.1% in 2015'.Benin is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In 2014, Benin ranked 18th on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. In 2011, 57% of