Urban transport project in Greater Nokoué: landmark funding to transform mobility
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has just granted more than 100 billion CFA francs to Benin to improve traffic in the five cities of Greater Nokoué.
This financing aims to modernize roads, strengthen public transport and kick-start the introduction of electric motorcycles, while taking into account the area’s social and environmental challenges.
Cotonou, Sèmè-Podji, Porto-Novo, Abomey-Calavi and Ouidah are thus preparing to take a decisive step toward a more coherent mobility system. To this major contribution from the AIIB is added support from the World Bank’s International Development Association, bringing the total package to 200 million dollars.
Authorities plan to modernize several priority corridors and carry out a thorough reorganization of public transport. The future network should allow for clearer traffic flows, with infrastructure designed to combine multiple modes of transport.
One of the most anticipated changes concerns the gradual arrival of electric motorcycle taxis. A pilot phase will be launched before a general rollout, accompanied by support for the local sector to ensure maintenance, battery availability and drivers’ access to this new model.
The transition will be significant for many workers, which is why support measures are being put in place to prevent income losses among the most vulnerable drivers.
The program is based on a comprehensive modernization of the sector, ranging from professionalizing operators to organizing a true multimodal public transport system. It also paves the way for the gradual electrification of motorcycles, while strengthening the institutional capacities responsible for guiding the urbanization of Greater Nokoué.