Benin and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa signed a financing agreement of 65 million dollars on Tuesday, 13 October, in Bangkok, to extend and strengthen the electricity network in 127 localities, according to a statement from the Beninese government published on Wednesday.
The project provides for the connection of 61,127 households, several public services and 4,300 very small businesses. The Société béninoise d'énergie électrique is to carry out the extension, densification and upgrading of the networks concerned.
The works are to cover Alibori, Atacora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Ouémé and Plateau. The government also expects benefits for the cotton-growing basin, where access to more reliable electricity can support processing, storage and the services used by small businesses.
The agreement represents 35.75 billion CFA francs, according to the equivalent provided by Beninese authorities. This amount complements two financings signed the previous day with the Islamic Development Bank, for the Godomey-Ouidah-Hillacondji road and a programme dedicated to soil fertility.
The three operations announced on 12 and 13 October total 249.5 billion CFA francs. The BADEA loan is dedicated to the electricity network, while the two agreements concluded with the Islamic Development Bank, for a combined amount of 326.06 million euros, finance the road and agriculture.