Benin Building a Cleaner and Safer Urban Transport Future in Grand Nokoué
Benin has set its sights on a greener, safer, and more inclusive future. In a landmark move, the World Bank has just approved a $200 million financing package through the International Development Association (IDA) to supercharge urban mobility in Grand Nokoué — the bustling metropolitan region that includes Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Semè-Podji, Abomey-Calavi, and Ouidah.
This isn’t just about moving people from point A to point B. The Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project is designed to overhaul the entire transport ecosystem, making it climate-resilient, efficient, and accessible for everyone. With a growing population of over 2.8 million and mounting pressure on informal transport systems, the need for modernisation is urgent.
“The rapid urbanisation of the towns of Greater Nokoué poses real challenges to urban mobility and makes residents increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks and poverty. This financing will not only unlock the region’s economic potential and improve productivity, but also strengthen social inclusion and environmental sustainability” said Nestor Coffi, World Bank Country Manager for Benin.
From Chaos to Coordination
Anyone who’s navigated Cotonou’s busy streets will know the chaotic ballet of motorcycle taxis, known locally as zemidjan, and the ever-present Tokpa-Tokpa minibuses. These informal transport services play a critical role in daily life but come with downsides: air pollution, safety concerns, inefficiency, and a lack of structure.
The new project aims to change that by integrating these services into a formal, regulated framework. Thousands of zemidjan and Tokpa-Tokpa operators will be given the tools and training to become part of a professionally managed public transport system. Social protection, job security, and proper licensing are all on the table.
This integration is not just administrative. It’s expected to deliver tangible economic gains:
- 65,000 Zemidjan drivers will gain access to improved working conditions and social benefits.
- 800 formal jobs will be created in newly professionalised public transport services.
- 1,000 construction jobs will spring up during infrastructure development.
- 17,000 jobs in total are expected to emerge, including through electric vehicle maintenance and charging infrastructure.
A Multimodal Vision
What sets this project apart is its commitment to diversity in transit options. It’s not just about buses replacing bikes or vans — it’s about creating an integrated, multimodal network that works for everyone.
In its first phase, the system aims to serve 270,000 daily users, expanding to 360,000 over time. The plan includes:
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors along major thoroughfares.
- Electric ferries and boats navigating waterways in coastal and riverside zones.
- E-motorcycle adoption schemes, supporting cleaner last-mile connections.
All of this aligns with the Grand Nokoué Urban Mobility Plan, finalised in December 2020, which called for a shift from car-centric roadbuilding to a more holistic, environmentally conscious, and inclusive public transport strategy.
Investing in E-Mobility
Benin’s ambition doesn’t stop at fixing its transport infrastructure. The project has a laser focus on sustainability, particularly through electric mobility. The government plans to roll out an e-motorcycle fleet renewal programme and invest in charging infrastructure and local assembly.
By pushing for the adoption of electric buses, bikes, and boats, the initiative aims to tackle carbon emissions head-on. It will also contribute to the broader development of a domestic e-mobility industry, aligning with national goals around job creation and industrial innovation.
The project’s environmental benefits are clear:
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
- Improved air quality in urban centres.
- Enhanced climate resilience through infrastructure planning.
And the economic case? Equally compelling. Developing a homegrown EV industry could catalyse:
- New tech-focused SMEs.
- Skilled jobs in battery and vehicle maintenance.
- R&D partnerships with universities and international firms.
Unlocking Urban Potential
Aside from the environmental and employment upsides, the mobility upgrade is expected to unlock huge productivity gains. For many residents, long commutes, unreliable transit, and traffic congestion create barriers to employment, education, and healthcare.
A more reliable system means:
- Faster travel times, especially along major corridors.
- Improved connectivity between the five communes.
- Greater accessibility for women, children, and persons with disabilities.
With 2.8 million people relying on Grand Nokoué’s infrastructure, the knock-on effects of improved transport will ripple across the economy, spurring growth in construction, retail, services, and manufacturing.
Backed by Global Expertise and Local Vision
This ambitious revamp has been made possible through sustained collaboration between the World Bank and the Government of Benin. The project is rooted in research and best practice from similar World Bank-funded urban mobility initiatives across West Africa, including in Dakar, Abidjan, and Accra.
World Bank documents highlight successful lessons from these cities:
- Start with priority corridors to demonstrate value quickly.
- Incorporate gender-sensitive design features.
- Engage existing informal operators rather than replace them.
- Plan infrastructure upgrades alongside regulatory and policy reforms.
Charting a Path for Africa’s Urban Future
What Benin is doing with Grand Nokoué could serve as a model for cities across the continent. With Africa’s urban population expected to double by 2050, investing in sustainable urban mobility isn’t just forward-thinking — it’s essential.
By investing not only in roads but also in people, jobs, and clean tech, Benin is proving that transport can be a vehicle for change in every sense of the word.
“This transformative project offers opportunities in the e-mobility sector and boosts job creation through improved productivity and innovation” added Nestor Coffi.
Driving Towards a Brighter Tomorrow
The Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project is more than a transport upgrade — it’s a bold statement of intent. Benin is betting on clean energy, inclusive growth, and smarter cities to shape its future.
If successful, this initiative will not only redefine daily commutes but could also mark a turning point in how African cities plan, fund, and implement their transport infrastructure.
