The government of Benin has approved the operationalization of six territorial development poles, aiming to leverage the unique strengths of each region. This new approach, approved during a cabinet meeting, seeks to promote balanced development, create jobs, and support the emergence of industries and socio-economic infrastructure in local areas. The six poles - Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Centre, Sud-Est, Sud-Ouest, and Grand-Nokoué - will group communes with complementary characteristics and assets.
The development plan will be implemented in four phases until December 2027. The first phase, from October to December 2026, will focus on establishing governance and gaining a precise understanding of the territories. This includes the appointment of general delegates, the creation of a National Steering Committee, recruitment of experts, and conducting an economic and territorial diagnosis. A mapping of stakeholders, existing projects, and main constraints will also be developed.
The second phase, from January to March 2027, will concentrate on enhancing the attractiveness of each pole. This involves identifying priority sectors, growth drivers, infrastructure needs, land, and skills, as well as defining fiscal, land, and financial incentives. The third phase, from April to June 2027, will be dedicated to planning and adopting operational roadmaps, with the State, communes, and private sector clarifying their contributions and responsibilities.
A national steering committee, chaired by the Head of State, will oversee the implementation of the plan, supported by a permanent secretariat. Each pole will have a delegation led by a general delegate, assisted by mission officers, experts, and technical personnel. This structure aims to better coordinate the interventions of the State, local authorities, and the private sector.
The four cross-cutting themes of agriculture, tourism, industry, and innovation will guide the development dynamics. The goal is to identify, for each pole, sectors capable of generating more activities and attracting investments. By making the most of each territory's characteristics, the government aims to create wealth, jobs, and improve living conditions.
The sixth phase is not mentioned, however, the plan involves launching priority projects and rapid actions, mobilizing investors, and establishing a monitoring and evaluation system. The implementation of this new territorial development approach is expected to transform the country's development landscape.
Through this initiative, the Beninese government seeks to make the six territorial poles not only a new territorial division but also spaces for economic programming and action, close to local realities. The success of this plan will depend on effective coordination and collaboration among stakeholders.
Key points
- The plan will be implemented in four phases until December 2027.
- The six territorial poles will focus on agriculture, tourism, industry, and innovation.
- A national steering committee will oversee the implementation of the plan.
