The government of Benin kicked off their new online platform MonEntreprise.bj, to help businesses launch efficiently, lower barriers for entrepreneurs to formalise their business, and help the informal sector to register. 'Making it easy for informal businesses to join the formal sector and to comply with rules and obligations is essential for economic growth that is inclusive,' said the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) Head of Business Facilitation Frank Grozel. The new platform also allows Benin's investment and export agency APIEx to capture in real-time important data about who starts a business, for which business activity, and other key metrics such as geographic location. It was launched at this critical time to ensure e-government services are provided to citizens during the coronavirus pandemic.