Benin Launches Two Programs to Secure Land Rights

The government of Benin has initiated two programs aimed at securing land rights and modernizing land administration. TERRA BÉNIN and PPMEC II were officially launched on November 6, 2026, in Cotonou. These programs aim to accelerate the deployment of the national cadastral system, with a focus on registering 1.5 million plots and issuing at least one million certificates. The programs were launched in the presence of technical and financial partners and officials from the National Land and Property Agency (ANDF).

The TERRA BÉNIN program is expected to be implemented in two phases over five years. It will initially focus on 14 communes before expanding to 30 others. The program also aims to improve the e-Foncier Bénin platform, formalize usage rights, and validate land data. Additionally, the program will provide a comprehensive cadastral coverage of nine communes, including Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Parakou.

The second program, PPMEC II, will run from 2026 to 2031 and focus on 12 communes. The project aims to provide complete cadastral coverage of nine communes and update data in 71 districts. It also seeks to strengthen the capacities of institutions and communes. According to Xavier Zola, Director-General of ANDF, these initiatives will help consolidate progress already made.

The representative of the World Bank in Benin, Karine Bachongy, emphasized the objective of the two programs, which is to have an operational cadastral system across the entire territory. The programs will enable the mapping of lands, identification of rightful owners, and sustainable registration of land transactions. The Dutch ambassador to Benin, Joris Jurriëns, also reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting the implementation of these programs.

The Minister Delegate for Finance and Microfinance, Nicolas Yenoussi, presided over the ceremony and highlighted the government's commitment to amplifying land rights security and making land services more accessible. He invited local authorities to facilitate the mobilization of populations, a crucial condition for the success of the operations.

The two programs have been designed to address the challenges of land administration in Benin. The country has long struggled with issues of land ownership and tenure security, which have hindered economic development and social stability. The programs are expected to improve the business climate, increase revenue, and enhance the livelihoods of citizens.

The implementation of TERRA BÉNIN and PPMEC II is a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the Beninese government's land policy. The programs will help to reduce conflicts over land, promote sustainable land use, and improve the overall efficiency of land administration in Benin.

Key points

• The programs aim to register 1.5 million plots and issue at least one million certificates.
• The programs will improve the business climate, increase revenue, and enhance the livelihoods of citizens.
• The programs have been designed to address the challenges of land administration in Benin.