The Communal Council of Cotonou has unanimously adopted the 2027 budget, totaling 72.4 billion FCFA. This budget marks a significant shift in municipal finance management, reflecting Mayor Luc Gnacadja's commitment to addressing population concerns and fostering urban development. The budget is part of the "Cotonou 2026-2033: Changer d'échelle" project, aiming to improve the city's infrastructure and services.
The budget allocates over 74% of resources to investments, with a 47.54% increase, while operating expenses decrease by 6.44%. This reorientation prioritizes concrete achievements benefiting the population, enhancing the mastery of municipal administration charges. Mayor Gnacadja's approach focuses on responding to residents' concerns, gathered during a tour of Cotonou's 13 districts from October 5-9, 2026.
Residents' concerns primarily revolve around improving living conditions, including public lighting, road maintenance, sanitation, and drainage of rainwater. The budget addresses these concerns with an allocation of 1 billion FCFA for solar lighting and over 1.2 billion FCFA for road infrastructure. Education also receives attention, with investments in new classrooms, completion of ongoing projects, and construction of school fences and toilets.
The municipality plans to prepare for future investments in 2028 and 2029, with studies scheduled for several projects, including the construction of collectors, paving works, and the development of health centers. The goal is to ensure each district benefits from at least one visible action in 2027. Mayor Gnacadja emphasizes the importance of rigorous financial management and transparency in utilizing public resources.
To achieve this, the mayor has presented the final report of the Inspection générale des finances (IGF) to the Communal Council, highlighting areas for improvement in revenue collection and management. The council has authorized the mayor to implement the IGF's 48 recommendations, aiming to enhance transparency, improve revenue collection mechanisms, and ensure resources benefit the city's development.
Mayor Gnacadja has committed to a transparent and accountable approach, avoiding announcing projects without secured financing or unrealistic conditions. He will also personally advocate for residents' concerns that fall under state competencies, such as constructing police stations or health centers. The Communal Council has pledged to report quarterly on the progress of projects, arrondissement by arrondissement.
This approach aims to bring the municipal administration closer to citizens, enabling them to track the execution of commitments. By prioritizing investments in infrastructure and services, the 2027 budget seeks to improve living conditions in Cotonou, aligning with the municipality's development goals and the expectations of its residents.
Key points
- Cotonou's 2027 budget focuses on urban development and infrastructure investments.
- The budget allocates 74% of resources to investments, with a 47.54% increase.
- Mayor Luc Gnacadja emphasizes transparency and accountability in financial management.
