MODERNIZING BENIN'S MARKETS: A NEW ERA OF CLEAN, SAFE, AND ORGANIZED COMMERCE IN COTONOU

The government of Benin, West Africa, recently took a significant step toward modernizing its local markets by launching new, state-of-the-art facilities in various towns, starting with Cotonou. These new markets aim to address the long-standing disorder and insecurity that plagued the old market systems, providing citizens with clean, safe, and well-organized spaces for commerce.

 

Initiated in 2019, the market construction project is designed to offer a modern shopping experience that prioritizes hygiene, safety, and organization. The improved security measures are particularly welcome, as the old markets were often targets for thieves and other criminal activities. The project also takes into account the population size and trading activities of each town, with some markets built on a larger scale than others to meet local needs.

 

The first market opened its doors in Cotonou’s Cadjèhoun neighborhood on June 15, 2024, marking a key milestone in the government’s push for urban renewal.

During the inauguration, Mr. Alain Sourou Orounla, prefect of the Littoral department, urged vendors and shoppers to respect the rules and regulations to maintain the orderliness of the new facility. He also announced that more markets in Cotonou would be completed by December 31, 2024.

 

Excited by the transformation, many vendors who secured stalls in the new market praised President Patrice Talon for his visionary leadership and promised their unwavering support for his projects.

 

This modernization initiative not only promises to enhance the daily lives of citizens by providing safe and clean spaces for trade but also boosts local economies by creating a more structured and reliable marketplace for all.