from AGIDIGBI ADEWALE in Porto-Novo, Benin
Benini Bureau
PORTO-NOVO, (CAJ News) – THE African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved €117 million in financing to support the Programme for the Economic Development of Local Authorities (PADECT) in Benin, aimed at turning the country’s 77 municipalities into vibrant centres of investment, employment, and innovation between 2026 and 2031.
The funding package includes a €110 million loan from the African Development Bank and €7 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional arm.
Implementation will be led by Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance through its Economic and Financial Programme Monitoring Unit.
PADECT seeks to strengthen local governments’ capacity to execute annual investment plans while improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the national SME Development Agency and the Investment and Guarantee Fund for SMEs.
According to Robert Masumbuko, AfDB Country Manager in Benin, the initiative represents the Bank’s first sub-national financing in the country, underscoring its commitment to inclusive development.
A major component of the programme is digital transformation, including new telecommunications infrastructure in 89 public institutions—such as schools, hospitals, and town halls—plus expanded mobile coverage to 114 underserved localities and 65 community digital centres offering affordable internet access.
The project will also advance climate resilience through the National Disaster Response Fund and the National Environment and Climate Fund, with an emphasis on women-led initiatives and at least 30% female participation.
PADECT aligns with Benin’s National Decentralisation and Devolution Policy (2024–2033) and long-term vision, “Benin 2060 ALAFIA.”
– CAJ News