The Government of Benin is preparing to overhaul its road maintenance system with the introduction of the Gestion de l'entretien routier par niveaux de service (Genis). This new approach, supported by the Millennium Challenge Account-Benin Regional (MCA-Benin Regional), focuses on maintaining specific road conditions and service levels throughout the contract duration. A five-day training session on Genis began on November 9, 2026, in Cotonou, bringing together road administration officials, representatives from the Société des Infrastructures Routières et de l'Aménagement du Territoire (SIRAT), construction companies, and study and control bureaus.
The current road maintenance contracts in Benin are primarily based on executed works and quantities realized, with companies being remunerated accordingly. In contrast, the Genis approach requires service providers to commit to maintaining precise conditions regarding road surface, drainage, signage, safety, and infrastructure availability. The emphasis is on the level of services effectively provided to road users. According to Afiss Bileoma, National Coordinator of MCA-Benin Regional, the results obtained will serve as a reference for evaluating services and determining remuneration modalities.
The SIRAT is actively preparing for the implementation of Genis, working on a standard tender document to guide future maintenance markets. The MCA-Benin Regional is assisting in reviewing this document to adapt it to the requirements of this approach and specify its application conditions. SIRAT's Director General, Ranti Akindès, aims to launch the acquisition of services in the second half of 2027, enabling the conclusion of the first Genis contracts.
The introduction of Genis is part of a broader modernization program supported by the MCA-Benin Regional. The program includes the acquisition of intelligent vehicles, multifunctional vehicles, and deflectographs to assess road conditions and gather reliable data. It also involves developing a road heritage management system (SGPR), creating a road management and evaluation unit (UGR), and acquiring HDM-4 software to facilitate intervention planning.
A pilot market will be launched to test the effectiveness of monitoring tools and management mechanisms before potential large-scale deployment. This pilot project will help verify the efficiency of the new approach and identify areas for improvement. The MCA-Benin Regional is providing support to ensure a smooth transition to the Genis system.
The new road maintenance model is expected to help Benin catch up on its road network maintenance backlog and better protect its national road heritage. By focusing on service levels and road conditions, the Genis approach aims to improve the overall quality of road maintenance in the country.
Key stakeholders, including road administration officials and construction companies, are being trained on the Genis approach to ensure a successful implementation. The training session in Cotonou is a crucial step towards adopting this new maintenance model, which is expected to bring significant improvements to Benin's road network.
Key points
- The Genis approach focuses on maintaining specific road conditions and service levels throughout the contract duration.
- A pilot market will be launched to test the effectiveness of monitoring tools and management mechanisms.
- The new road maintenance model aims to help Benin catch up on its road network maintenance backlog and better protect its national road heritage.
