In a bid to enhance the management of communal finances, stakeholders gathered in Cotonou for a strategic workshop focused on optimizing the use of resources from the Communal Development Support Fund (FADEC). The objective was to identify bottlenecks hindering the absorption of credits and define new orientations to accelerate territorial development. The event was officially launched by Victorin Honvoh, Director of Cabinet and representative of the Minister in charge of Budget and Public Service.
A major concern discussed during the workshop was the low consumption of funds allocated to local authorities. The Communal Investment Fund (FIC), a new instrument established by the State to finance Communal Development Plans (PDCs), was at the center of the discussions. However, Réginal Koumagbéafidé, Director of the FIC, expressed concern about the gap between the availability of funds and their effective execution on the ground, citing it as a major obstacle to territorial development.
To address these challenges, the FIC plans to strengthen local project management and provide increased technical support. The workshop also saw the participation of Technical and Financial Partners, who contributed to the debates. Gabriella Spirli, Head of International Cooperation of Switzerland in Benin, highlighted the impact of security, accessibility, and technical encumbrances, advocating for a pilot mechanism for communal public procurement.
Dr. Stephan Buchwald, German Ambassador, emphasized the need for resource pooling and concrete solutions. In response, Victorin Honvoh announced key measures, including the regularization of transfers, revision of the procedures manual, capacity building, and budget dematerialization. These measures aim to ensure that every allocated franc directly improves the daily lives of the population.
The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and expertise, with a focus on finding practical solutions to the challenges facing communal development. The Communal Development Support Fund (FADEC) and the Communal Investment Fund (FIC) are critical instruments in this endeavor, and their effective management is crucial for the development of Benin's territories.
The recommendations resulting from the workshop will be submitted to the government for consideration. The ultimate goal is to ensure that communal finances are managed efficiently and effectively, leading to tangible improvements in the lives of Benin's citizens. The government has been urged to take concrete actions to address the challenges facing communal development.
The strategic workshop in Cotonou marks a significant step towards optimized management of communal finances in Benin. The involvement of various stakeholders, including government officials, technical and financial partners, and local authorities, underscores the commitment to finding solutions to the challenges facing territorial development. The outcome of the workshop is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Benin's citizens.
Key points
- Benin holds strategic workshop to improve absorption of communal funds
- Low consumption of funds allocated to local authorities remains a major concern
- Government announces measures to address challenges facing communal development
