Benin: Relocation of Dantokpa Market starts January 5, 2026, lasts 10 days

The countdown is on for West Africa’s largest market. Starting January 5, 2026, and for ten days, ANaGeM — under the leadership of its Managing Director Eunice Loisel Kiniffo — will oversee the relocation of traders from the Dantokpa international market to new commercial hubs built to international standards.

This operation is part of President Patrice Talon’s vision to modernize the country’s market infrastructure. “We do not work alone in our offices. We are moving forward together with the traders to address their concerns and secure their buy-in,” said the ANaGeM Managing Director, underscoring the inclusive nature of the process.

“The day after the holidays, so starting January 5, we will begin the actual relocation of the Dantokpa market, over 10 days, so until the 15th, we will relocate the Dantokpa market, across all sectors of activity, food and non-food alike,” specified the head of the National Market Management Agency (ANAGEM).

Before this decisive step, traders were allowed to continue their activities at Dantokpa throughout the end-of-year holiday period. The actual relocation covers all sectors, food and non-food alike, and aims to provide better working and selling conditions.

Two major sites will host the relocated traders. The Général Mathieu Kérékou (GMK) Commercial Hub, located near the Stade de l’Amitié, will house four strategic sectors: textiles, leather goods, cosmetics, and jewelry. Consultations with those concerned began on September 8, 2025, to adapt the shops and stalls to their specific needs.

The second site, the Grand-Nokoué Agri-Food Hub, nicknamed the “Wholesale Market,” spans 168 hectares. It comprises eight modern warehouses, six for dry goods and two refrigerated, to accommodate food wholesalers. Here too, discussions with stakeholders aim to ensure a successful installation.