Economic and Trade Infrastructures Development Programme

The Economic and Market Infrastructure Development Programme Phase III (PDIEM 3) aims to support local economic development in the northern regions of Benin through the establishment and effective management of economic and market infrastructure built with local materials, resilient to the effects of climate change, and that promote local entrepreneurship. These infrastructures facilitate the storage, transportation, and selling of agricultural, pastoral, and commercial products.

The programme is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Benin and the Government of Benin through the Municipal Development Support Fund (FADEC). It is implemented by SNV in partnership with municipalities and several sectoral ministries responsible for decentralisation, economy and finance, agriculture, environment, and technical and vocational training.

PDIEM 3 will take place between 2022-2026, building on the achievements and lessons learned from Phases I and II. The project operates across 24 municipalities in six departments, including Alibori, Borgou, Atacora, Donga, Collines, and Zou, contributing to long-term territorial economic development.

In many rural areas of Benin, market infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Dependence on conventional construction materials, which are often imported and expensive, limits the ability of local authorities to meet the growing needs of the population for equipment. Beyond infrastructure gaps, municipalities often face limited capacities to sustainably manage public infrastructure and mobilize local resources to finance basic services.

Within this context, SNV focuses on strengthening municipal capacities for sustainable infrastructure development and management, while promoting climate-resilient construction methods and local entrepreneurship linked to infrastructure development.

PDIEM operates through a multi-stakeholder framework, with partners in working towards sustainable local economic development including municipalities, municipal associations, technical services at national, departmental, and local levels, and NGOs.

The programme’s activities are structured around three pillars:

• Revitalising the local economy through improved market and transport infrastructure

• Strengthening municipal capacities for sustainable infrastructure management

• Promoting local entrepreneurship and the valorisation of local construction material, with a focus on women and young people

PDIEM 3 seeks to achieve the following outcomes aligned with its overall objective of strengthening local economic development and climate resilience:

• Revitalised local economies, with increased trade and market activity supported by functional and climate-resilient infrastructure

• Strengthened municipal capacity to sustainably manage economic infrastructure and mobilise local revenues

• Expanded local entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly for youth and women, through opportunities linked to infrastructure construction, management, and market activities

• Increased adoption of local and environmentally sustainable construction materials, contributing to green job creation and reduced environmental impact

Ultimately, the programme aims to create more dynamic local economies, stronger municipal institutions, and inclusive green employment opportunities, contributing to resilient territorial development across northern and central Benin.

• 31,835 (15,000 men and 16,070 women) direct users of infrastructure built as part of PDIEM,

• 366,915 (699,833 men and 366,915 women) indirect users of infrastructure built as part of PDIEM,

• 1,219 young people supported in socio-economic integration pathways, 52% of whom are women (2022–2025),

• 1,740 jobs supported or created, including: (2022–2025),

• 840 entrepreneurs strengthened through trainings in leadership, entrepreneurial management, advocacy, and negotiation (2022–2025),

• 192 local public actors trained or strengthened (public procurement officers, director of local development of planning, administrative and financial director, mayors, and district chiefs) (2022–2025),

• 25 economic and commercial infrastructures completed, including more than 1,300 structures (2013 to 2025),

• More than CFA Franc 1.8 billion in own revenue from the operation of built structures received by the municipalities (2018 to 2025),

• 24 municipalities supported in the face of climate shocks thanks to the construction of compressed earth bricks, promoting thermal regulation and reducing CO₂ emissions.