📖 About Bohicon

Bohicon, also known as Gbɔ̀xikɔn, is a vibrant city in the Zou Department of Benin, lying just 9 kilometers east of the historic city of Abomey along the railway line from Cotonou to Parakou.

Known as "the economic crossroads of Benin," Bohicon serves as a major commercial hub with bustling markets and trade connections throughout West Africa. The city has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

With a rich history rooted in the traditions of the Fon people, Bohicon emerged in the 19th century as a key commercial center thanks to its strategic location along ancient trade routes.

🎯 Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Bohicon's economy thrives on trade and commerce, with its famous market attracting merchants from across West Africa trading agricultural products, textiles, and traditional crafts.

The city is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly Afitin, a protein-rich fermented condiment made from sumbala seeds by local women. This culinary tradition earned Bohicon its UNESCO Creative City designation.

Cultural life centers on Fon traditions, with vibrant festivals, traditional music, and artisanal crafts reflecting centuries of heritage from the powerful Dahomey Kingdom.

📜 History

Bohicon's history is deeply connected to the Dahomey Kingdom, one of West Africa's most powerful states that ruled the region for centuries before European colonization.

The city developed as a trading center in the 19th century, benefiting from its location on routes connecting various West African regions. The nearby royal palaces of Abomey remain as UNESCO-protected monuments.

Today, Bohicon preserves its cultural heritage while developing as a modern commercial center, balancing traditional Fon customs with contemporary economic growth.