The government of Benin, led by President Romuald Wadagni, has unveiled a territorial reform plan aimed at boosting local development. The plan, presented at the Palais de la Marina, seeks to make local development a central pillar of the government's next sequence. The reform focuses on six territorial poles, each with its own strengths and potential, to drive growth and create jobs. The poles will be responsible for identifying their own development priorities and strategies.
The six territorial poles are: Nord-Est, combining Borgou and Alibori; Nord-Ouest, combining Atacora and Donga; Centre, combining Zou and Collines; Sud-Est, combining Ouémé and Plateau; Sud-Ouest, covering Mono, Couffo, and part of Atlantique; and Grand Nokoué, covering Littoral and parts of Atlantique and Ouémé. This new architecture aims to move away from a uniform approach and focus on the unique characteristics of each territory. Each pole will have its own development strategy, prioritizing areas such as productive agriculture, industry, and tourism.
A key aspect of the reform is the introduction of a new role: délégué général de pôle (general delegate of the pole). These delegates will be responsible for coordinating development actions and monitoring project implementation. They will work closely with local authorities, including mayors and prefects, to ensure effective collaboration and resource allocation. The delegates will be tasked with identifying growth sectors, engaging with local stakeholders, and defining priority projects.
The government has set clear priorities for the reform, including reducing extreme poverty, developing human capital, and creating wealth at the local level. The plan also emphasizes the importance of infrastructure development, improving the business environment, and attracting investment. The reform aims to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and improve living standards. To achieve this, the government will establish a system to evaluate the performance of each pole, based on criteria such as job creation, economic growth, and improved living conditions.
President Wadagni has emphasized the need for a change in mindset and behavior among local authorities and stakeholders. He has called on mayors and prefects to take greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, order, and discipline in their territories. The government aims to create more attractive and organized communes, with improved public spaces and infrastructure. This will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including local authorities, citizens, and the private sector.
The reform is expected to be rolled out in phases, with the first délégués généraux expected to be appointed in the fourth quarter of 2026. They will be responsible for developing territorial roadmaps, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the state, local authorities, and private sector, as well as identifying funding needs. The government plans to conduct a first evaluation of the reform's impact after one year, based on measurable results.
The territorial reform is a key component of the government's strategy to drive local development and growth. By focusing on the unique strengths and potential of each territory, the government aims to create a more balanced and sustainable development model. The success of the reform will depend on effective collaboration between all stakeholders, as well as a commitment to changing behaviors and practices.
Key points
- The reform focuses on six territorial poles, each with its own development strategy and priorities.
- The government aims to reduce extreme poverty, develop human capital, and create wealth at the local level.
- The reform introduces a new role, délégué général de pôle, to coordinate development actions and monitor project implementation.
