A decisive shift in Benin’s infrastructure financing
Benin has taken a decisive step forward in its long-term development planning. On September 24, the country and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) agreed on an indicative pipeline of $730 million for 2027-2028. This agreement sets the stage for identifying and preparing future investments in energy, transport, and climate resilience. It represents a major shift in how Benin will finance its infrastructure priorities over the next few years.
However, this amount is not yet fully approved or disbursed. The AIIB notes that any selected projects will still need to go through preparation, due diligence, and approval processes specific to each operation.
$250 Million tied to public policies
Of the $730 million under consideration, $250 million is expected to take the form of policy-based financing, aimed in particular at supporting Benin’s Vision 2060. The pipeline may also draw on AIIB instruments dedicated to energy, food security, economic resilience, and climate finance.
The agreement was signed by Rajat Misra, AIIB Director General for Public Sector Clients, Region 1, and Hugues-Oscar Lokossou, Minister Delegate in charge of Mobilizing External Resources and Debt Management. AIIB President Zou Jiayi and Aristide Medenou, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Cooperation, attended the signing ceremony.
A first multi-year pipeline for AIIB in Africa
The AIIB describes this arrangement as its first multi-year pipeline of its kind in Africa. It builds on the growing partnership with Cotonou in infrastructure financing.
This cooperation already rests on a major transport commitment. In December 2025, the AIIB signed a $200 million loan for the Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project, part of an approximately $500 million program co-financed with other partners.
