Luxembourg has committed €15 million, equivalent to over 9.8 billion CFA francs, to expand training in port and logistics trades in Benin. The protocol for the CAP-PORT project was signed in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

According to the Beninese government, the programme targets unemployed young people and women aged 18 to 35, low-skilled individuals and workers seeking to update their skills. The aim is to improve training provision and integration into port and logistics activities.

The announced courses are set to cover the operation and maintenance of handling equipment and vehicles, safety, documentary compliance and the use of digital systems. The scheme is to rely on a dedicated space for developing these skills.

The protocol was signed for Benin by Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Minister of Economy and Finance responsible for mobilising external resources and debt management, and for Luxembourg by Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. The government estimates the active portfolio of bilateral cooperation at around €95 million. The CAP-PORT envelope accounts for nearly 16% of that total.

The official publication does not specify the number of beneficiaries, the location of the future training space, the start date, the duration of courses or the disbursement schedule. The signature therefore establishes a funding commitment, without demonstrating that the full €15 million has already been paid out.