Benin is undergoing major construction projects and China is a key player. The country is counting on Chinese investment to fix its infrastructure gap.

In Cotonou, Benin's largest city, construction crews are working on major projects, including port upgrades and road paving. Chinese firms are leading these efforts, which are part of a broader modernization drive.

Infrastructure Projects

The Autonomous Port of Cotonou is being upgraded by China Harbour Engineering Company, with the construction of Terminal 5, which includes two 100,000-tonne general purpose berths. Additionally, Chinese firms are building strategic corridors across the country, including a 60km highway in the central region and a 184km 'cotton road' in the north.

Economic Reforms

Benin's new president, Romuald Wadagni, is banking on foreign investors, including China, to help fix the country's infrastructure gap and create value-adding industries. Wadagni, the former finance minister, won the recent election with over 94 per cent of the vote and is a key architect of the nation's recent economic reforms.

Key points

• China Harbour Engineering Company is building Terminal 5 at the Autonomous Port of Cotonou.
• A 60km highway is being built in the central region by China Road and Bridge Corporation.
• A 184km 'cotton road' is being constructed in the north by Sinohydro Corporation.
• Benin's new president, Romuald Wadagni, won the recent election with over 94 per cent of the vote.
• Wadagni served as finance minister for a decade in former president Patrice Talon's administration.
• The construction projects are part of a broader multibillion-dollar modernization drive.