The launch event, held at the Novotel Cotonou Orisha, brought together key stakeholders including representatives from the Béninese government, the United Nations system, various technical and financial partners, and numerous actors dedicated to climate policies. Among the prominent 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, the cooperation attaché from the German Embassy in Bénin, also participated, highlighting the crucial role anticipated from international partners. Their involvement is expected to encompass financial support, technical guidance, and capacity building, all essential for the effective implementation of Bénin’s new climate roadmap.

The NDC 3.0, spanning from 2026 to 2035, targets several critical sectors particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These include agriculture, energy, water resources, forestry, public health, infrastructure, tourism, and the vital coastal regions. Measures for adaptation and resilience will be concentrated in these areas.

A financing need of 14.5 billion dollars

Bénin aims to secure $14.5 billion to fund the initiatives outlined in its NDC 3.0. This figure represents the total financing requirement for the climate strategy; however, current information does not detail the portion already secured or the breakdown between public funds, private investments, and external aid.

The planned investments are designed to reduce the vulnerability of Béninese territories, safeguard critical infrastructure, and enhance the capacity of communities to withstand climatic events. Furthermore, these investments are crucial for protecting economic activities that are frequently exposed to threats such as droughts, floods, coastal erosion, and the degradation of natural resources.

For Béninese authorities, the NDC 3.0 transcends a mere environmental commitment. It is envisioned as a guiding force for investment decisions, integrating climate risks into public policies, infrastructure projects, and broader economic development strategies.

Successful implementation, nevertheless, hinges on the nation’s ability to translate these ambitious objectives into concrete, funded, and executed projects. Technical and financial partners are encouraged to provide robust support for resource mobilization, project development, and the monitoring of outcomes, particularly in the most exposed regions and for the most vulnerable populations.

Through this renewed contribution, Bénin seeks to intertwine climate vulnerability reduction with the protection of its economy and the advancement of territorial development. The operational specifics of this ambitious plan for 2026-2035, including detailed project timelines, funding mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks, are still to be elaborated.