The Beninese government, through the Local Investment Fund (FIC), has officially launched the sixth phase of the Communal Development and Social Cohesion Program (FADeC VI). This initiative aims to consolidate previous efforts to strengthen communal financing and improve access to basic socio-economic infrastructure. The program was launched on October 27, 2026, at an atelier that brought together representatives from public administrations, territorial collectivities, technical and financial partners, and the program's technical assistance team.
FADeC VI is a continuation of efforts started in 2008 to enhance communal development financing. The program seeks to improve equitable access to quality socio-economic infrastructure and prevent radicalization in northern border areas with the Sahel region. According to Koumagbeafide Réginal, Director General of the FIC, the fund aims to be a reference partner for communes, providing not only financial resources but also technical support to help them diversify their funding sources and consolidate their investment capacities.
Christiane Kuadjo, Representative of the Minister of Budget and Public Function, emphasized the importance of FADeC VI in supporting the FIC's role in enhancing the quality of studies, project engineering, and advisory support to communes. She expressed her expectation that the program will enable communes to present bankable projects and secure funding from partners, markets, and financial institutions, ultimately reducing dependence on resource transfers and achieving local financing capacity.
The program benefits from the financial cooperation of the German Development Cooperation (KFW), the European Union, and the Swiss Cooperation, particularly through the Sahel Window, which supports community resilience and social cohesion in concerned territories. Stéphanie Küraten, Director of KFW, reaffirmed her organization's commitment to continuing its partnership with the Beninese government with the same determination.
Key achievements between March 2025 and March 2026 include audits of FADeC's 2024 management, the integration of 14 new communes into the Sahel Window financing, and the update of the FADeC procedures manual. Two studies were conducted on communes' absorption capacities and indicators related to the European Union's mandate for the Sahel Window. The current operational phase, launched on April 20, 2026, will focus on finalizing the 2026-2028 operational plan, audits, and monitoring of Sahel Window measures.
Through this atelier, the FIC and its partners aim to strengthen actor coordination, improve intervention management, and consolidate the contribution of communal investments to territorial development, community resilience, and social cohesion. The program's implementation will be crucial in achieving its objectives and making a positive impact on the lives of Beninese citizens.
The FADeC VI program has the potential to make a significant impact on communal development and social cohesion in Benin. With the support of its partners, the FIC is confident that the program will achieve its goals and improve the lives of communities across the country.
Key points
- The program aims to improve access to basic socio-economic infrastructure and prevent radicalization in northern border areas with the Sahel region.
- FADeC VI seeks to consolidate previous efforts to strengthen communal financing and enhance communal development.
- The program benefits from the financial cooperation of the German Development Cooperation (KFW), the European Union, and the Swiss Cooperation.
