Benin: Cabinet Meeting Report of September 3, 2025
The Council of Ministers met on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, under the chairmanship of Mr. Patrice Talon, President of the Republic, Head of State, and Head of Government. The following decisions were taken:
SUMMARY
I – Regulatory Measures
I-1. Ban on makeshift constructions along the Route des Pêches
As part of the growing modernization of urban infrastructure in several cities, particularly those of the Greater Nokoué area, it has become necessary to regulate construction on strategic routes such as the Route des Pêches, which is increasingly asserting its touristic vocation.
To preserve this asset, and given the scale of ongoing investments, a decree has been issued prohibiting the building of makeshift structures in this area. Owners and presumed owners of such parcels must dismantle them no later than December 31, 2025.
For those unable to secure alternative housing due to the demolition, support will be provided for their resettlement.
I-2. Regulation of heavy-duty transport vehicles in the Greater Nokoué area
The circulation of heavy trucks causes significant nuisances, including noise, air pollution from defective vehicles, disruption of mobility, and severe accidents. Added to this are illegal parking, destruction of traffic lights and road safety equipment, and roadway damage caused by leaks from broken-down vehicles.
Given the high costs of road rehabilitation and the urban modernization program underway, the government has adopted a decree regulating the circulation of heavy goods vehicles in Greater Nokoué.
Stakeholders will be granted a three-month grace period, after which the measure will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Additional decrees adopted include:
- Approval of the amended statutes of the Benin Airports Company.
- Establishment of a consultation framework to facilitate the execution of national projects and programs at the municipal level.
- Definition of the mandate, composition, and functioning of the National Standing Commission on Traditional Chieftaincy, along with the appointment of its members.
II – Communications
II-1. Construction of a departmental multisport stadium in Parakou
The project will include a main FIFA-certified synthetic football pitch, athletics track, courts for handball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis, spectator stands, a technical building, camera platforms, water tower, and borehole.
The Council authorized contracts with qualified companies to carry out the works, with strict compliance to specifications.
II-2. Approval of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan for the University Center for Professional Education
Following a pilot phase launched in 2022, a new strategic plan has been designed to expand professional training. It foresees the opening of seven new institutes across at least eight economic sectors, benefiting 3,000 diploma students by 2030, alongside short-term specialization and continuing education programs.
II-3. Approval of the 2026–2030 National Health Development Plan
This reference document aligns with the National Health Policy (2018–2030) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With an estimated cost of 996.39 billion CFA francs, its implementation will improve governance, service delivery, and quality of care, while consolidating progress in infrastructure and health product availability.
II-4. Approval of the 2025–2029 Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Defense
The plan sets out a vision for the Benin Armed Forces to become, by 2029, a republican army serving the nation, modern and open to the world, contributing to national development, peace, and international security.
Its implementation is built on three objectives: improving ministry performance, ensuring operational readiness of forces, and enhancing the international standing of the Benin Armed Forces.
II-5. Establishment of a National Program to Combat Child Marriage
The program aims to reduce child marriage rates in Benin from 33% in 2019 to 15% by 2029. It will strengthen protection systems, community engagement, and awareness to safeguard children, particularly girls, against early marriage and pregnancy.
II-6. Incorporation of 358 park rangers into the Forestry and Wildlife Corps
These rangers, initially recruited for Pendjari and W National Parks, will now be formally integrated into the civil service under the 2020 law governing forestry officials. Their contribution has already improved park protection and wildlife populations.
II-7. Organization of a selection exam for new Primary Teaching Assistants (AMEs)
To meet the 2025–2026 academic year’s needs, 2,319 AMEs must be deployed. Candidates must hold either a teaching certificate or a high school diploma to qualify.
III – International Meetings and Events
The Council authorized the organization of:
- A September 2025 training workshop on the African Charter on Public Service and Administration.
- The National Microfinance Week (SeNaMif), September 22–26, 2025.
- The 16th WAEMU Conference of Employment and Professional Training Ministers, September 26, 2025.
Benin will also participate in:
- The European Agricultural Production Fair in Rennes, France (September 16–18, 2025).
- UNESCO’s MONDIACULT 2025 World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development in Barcelona, Spain (September 29–October 1, 2025).
- Statutory and other international meetings related to the Ministry of Primary Education throughout 2025.
Done in Cotonou, September 3, 2025.
Edouard OUIN-OURO
Secretary General of the Government
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