The municipality of Cotonou, Benin, has announced its 2027 budget, which marks a significant shift towards investment. According to a communiqué signed by Stanislas Minakpon HOUNKANLIN, the municipality's Chief of Cabinet, the budget features a 6.44% decrease in operating expenses and a 47.54% increase in investments. This new budget was adopted unanimously by the Communal Council, presided over by Luc GNACADJA.
The 2027 budget stands at 72.4 billion CFA francs, with over 74% of resources allocated to investments. This represents a substantial change in the municipality's budgetary priorities, aiming to lay the foundations for a new era of development. The budget was approved during the fourth ordinary session of the Communal Council, held on October 30 and November 2, 2026.
The new budget is part of the municipality's mandate for 2026-2033, which seeks to drive growth and development in Cotonou. The budget will now require validation from the prefectural authorities before its implementation. In addition to the budget, the Communal Council also accepted the mayor's activity report for the third quarter, as well as those of the permanent commissions.
The council also adopted the activity report of the Supervision Council for the third quarter, as well as the manual of budgetary and accounting procedures for local authorities in Benin. This manual was prepared and submitted by the Cellule de suivi et de contrôle de la gestion des communes. These decisions were taken to enhance transparency and accountability in the municipality's operations.
Another key development was the presentation of the final report of the Inspection Générale des Finances (IGF). The report, requested by the mayor in May 2026, examined non-fiscal revenue from January 2021 to April 2026. The report highlighted weaknesses in revenue collection, traceability, and procedures, as well as occupation of public domain and debt recovery.
The Communal Council took note of the 48 recommendations made by the IGF report and authorized the mayor to take all necessary legal measures to implement and monitor these recommendations. This move is expected to improve the municipality's revenue collection and financial management. The council's decisions demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The adoption of the 2027 budget and the implementation of the IGF report's recommendations are expected to drive growth and development in Cotonou. The municipality's focus on investment and improved financial management will be crucial in achieving its development goals. The mayor and the Communal Council will work together to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.
Key points
- The 2027 budget features a 47.54% increase in investments and a 6.44% decrease in operating expenses.
- The budget was adopted unanimously by the Communal Council, presided over by Luc GNACADJA.
- The municipality will focus on investment and improved financial management to drive growth and development.
