The gathering, held at the Novotel Cotonou Orisha, brought together key figures including representatives from the Béninese government, the United Nations system, various technical and financial partners, and numerous stakeholders dedicated to climate policies. Among the notable attendees were Georges Alé, Minister of Living Environment and Transport, responsible for Sustainable Development, and Aminatou Sar, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system in Bénin.

Félix Kress, cooperation attaché at the German Embassy in Bénin, also participated, underscoring the vital role expected from international partners. Their involvement is crucial for providing financial backing, technical assistance, and capacity building necessary for the successful implementation of this new climate roadmap.

The NDC 3.0 spans the decade from 2026 to 2035 and addresses multiple sectors identified as particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Key areas targeted for adaptation and resilience measures include agriculture, energy, water resources, forestry, public health, infrastructure, tourism, and coastal protection.

A financing need estimated at 14.5 billion dollars

Bénin aims to secure 14.5 billion dollars to fund the initiatives outlined in its NDC 3.0. This figure represents the total financing required for the climate strategy; available information does not specify the portion already secured or the breakdown between public resources, private investments, and external support.

The projected investments are designed to reduce the vulnerability of regions, safeguard critical infrastructure, and enhance the capacity of communities to withstand climate-related events. They are also presented as a means to secure economic activities frequently exposed to droughts, floods, coastal erosion, or the degradation of natural resources.

For Béninese authorities, the NDC 3.0 transcends a mere environmental commitment. It is intended to guide investment decisions and integrate climate risks into public policies, infrastructure projects, and broader economic development strategies.

However, successful implementation will depend on the nation’s ability to translate these ambitious objectives into concrete, funded, and executed projects. Technical and financial partners are urged to support resource mobilization, project development, and results monitoring, particularly in the most exposed areas and among vulnerable populations.

Through this new contribution, Bénin seeks to intertwine climate vulnerability reduction, economic protection, and integrated territorial development. The detailed project schedule, financing modalities, and monitoring mechanisms will further define the operationalization of this vision for the 2026-2035 period.