Decentralization in Benin: the government adjusts the reform for more efficiency
On June 13, 2025, at the Palais de la Marina, President Patrice Talon and key actors in decentralization conducted an in-depth evaluation of the reforms initiated since 2022. The report of this session was presented in the Council of Ministers this Wednesday.
Around the head of state, mayors, deputies, executive secretaries, and prefects discussed the progress of structural reforms in the decentralization sector. The discussions revealed a shared desire to optimize the current system, which was generally praised, but still needs improvement in its implementation.
In response to suggestions from elected officials, major adjustments are announced this Wednesday in the Council of Ministers. Among these adjustments is a new way of appointing Executive Secretaries of municipalities.
From now on, mayors will draw three names from the national database before choosing one on the spot. This measure aims to ensure better collaboration by allowing officials to have an idea of the profile of their future deputy.
The Council of Ministers also recognized the need for greater involvement of mayors in monitoring projects led by the central government in their respective municipalities. The objective is to strengthen the synergy between local and national levels for smoother public policy execution.
Concerning public procurement, the government has noted complaints about the length of time it takes to process appeals in local market matters. It has been decided to engage in discussions with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARMP) to define more diligent procedures, reducing waiting times that often hinder the execution of local budgets.
Finally, with a view to strengthening financial control, the government will consider the possibility of appointing a financial control delegate for each municipality, to ensure better regulation of finances at the base level.
These announcements confirm the government’s intention to make decentralization an effective lever for local development, by gradually correcting deficiencies and consolidating the gains of the reform.
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