The Asian Investment Bank in infrastructures (BAII) signed its very first financing agreement in Benin, providing a USD 200 million loan to modernise public transport in Greater Nokoué. Co-financed with the World Bank and investors private individuals, the project represents a total investment of 500 million USD.

The operation aims to improve urban mobility, road safety and access to more sustainable transport in several corridors in Grand Nokoué, as well as in five municipalities. It is part of the government's ambition to develop a resilient transport system and to low emissions, including e-mobility (buses, water buses and moto-taxis) electric).

According to Minister of State Romuald Wadagni, this partnership will make it possible to offer “safer, cleaner and more efficient” trips ”. The AIIB estimates that the project will directly benefit 270,000 users by day and then to 360,000 in the long term.

The initiative should also generate thousands of jobs, especially in e-mobility and the rehabilitation of infrastructure, while the population of Grand Nokoué could reach 3 million inhabitants by 2030.