Dantokpa: the announced relocation is slow to get underway.

Presented as the culmination of a long consultation process, the redeployment of merchants from the Dantokpa Market to new modern sites was scheduled for the period from January 5 to 15, 2026.

This schedule, set by the National Agency for the Management of Modern Markets (ANaGeM), is part of the government’s public policy to modernize commercial infrastructure undertaking by the State.
Two major hubs are to host the relevant activities. The General Mathieu Kérékou Commercial Hub, located near the Friendship Stadium, is intended for retailers operating in the textile, leather goods, cosmetics, and jewelry sectors. The space has been designed to offer modern shops and stalls, in a structured setting that conforms to the standards of urban commerce.

Wholesalers, for their part, are to settle at the Grand Nokoué Agro-Food Hub, better known as the Akassato wholesale markets. Located on a 168-hectare site, the complex includes several storage infrastructures, including six dry warehouses and two cold rooms, intended notably for cereals, tubers, onions, beans and other staple foods.

The siting conditions were defined there with sector stakeholders, aiming for a controlled transition.
Yet, on the ground, there were no tangible signs of the actual start of the operation visible this Monday morning at Dantokpa. From Gbogbanou to Singbo glouè, the aisles remain lively, shops open and transactions continue in the usual atmosphere.

The market is functioning without apparent disruption, as in the preceding days.
Asked, several merchants say they have not received any official directive indicating the start of the departure. According to the head of women traders at Dantokpa Market, census operations have been underway for several months, and meetings are expected for a draw to allocate the spots at the new sites.

In the meantime, all stakeholders remain in suspense. “The final word belongs to ANaGeM,” sums up the official, as merchants and customers continue to look for the official signal that will mark the actual start of the transfer.