Benin's decentralization process is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of territorial development poles. According to Olivier Noukpokinnou, an expert in human capital development and economic inclusion, this reform aims to correct the shortcomings of decentralization by focusing on job creation, private sector promotion, and local potential valorization. In a recent interview on "Zone Franche," Noukpokinnou emphasized that this new approach can usher in a new era of local governance in Benin.
The current decentralization process in Benin has been criticized for its limited focus on economic development. Noukpokinnou noted that local authorities have primarily concentrated on administrative management, infrastructure development, and addressing daily concerns of citizens. However, the new territorial development poles are expected to change this dynamic by empowering local actors to promote the private sector, develop local economies, and create jobs. This shift is crucial in addressing the country's extreme poverty and improving citizens' living conditions.
The philosophy behind this reform is to ensure better coherence in implementing national development policies, making them more responsive to local realities. The objective is twofold: to combat extreme poverty and improve living conditions while accelerating inclusive economic development and territorial balance. To achieve this, the focus will be on creating direct jobs, emerging industries, and developing socio-economic infrastructure. Noukpokinnou identified four key sectors that require attention: agriculture, tourism, industry, and innovation.
These sectors are considered essential levers for unlocking the economic potential of territories. Noukpokinnou emphasized that the fundamental change lies in the responsabilization of local actors in wealth creation. Since the decentralization process began in the 2000s, local economic development has been neglected. The new architecture aims to address this gap by providing territorial actors with the means to act on private sector promotion, local economy development, and job creation.
In this new setup, general delegations of development are expected to play a strategic role. Noukpokinnou sees their leaders as actors focused on promoting inclusive economic development. Their mission will not be to replace local authorities but to complement their efforts in promoting economic growth. The expert welcomed this new orientation, which he believes can correct one of the main weaknesses of the decentralization process: the weak consideration of local economic development.
The creation of wealth is now a major challenge for territories in Benin. Noukpokinnou stressed that this ambition relies on better exploitation of territorial potential and increased responsabilization of local actors. The new territorial development poles are expected to ensure better coherence in implementing national development policies, making them more responsive to local realities. This approach is expected to accelerate inclusive economic development and territorial balance.
The introduction of territorial development poles marks a significant shift in Benin's decentralization process. With a focus on job creation, private sector promotion, and local potential valorization, this reform aims to unlock the economic potential of territories and improve citizens' living conditions. As the country moves forward with this new approach, it is expected to address the shortcomings of decentralization and promote inclusive economic growth.
Key points
- The new territorial development poles in Benin aim to correct the shortcomings of decentralization by focusing on job creation, private sector promotion, and local potential valorization.
