Benin appoints Damien Mama to lead territorial hubs
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Financial Afrik
Benin’s Council of Ministers has appointed Damien Mama permanent secretary of the committee responsible for territorial development hubs, attached to the presidency. The governance bodies of the six hubs, which bring together the 77 communes, are to be established by December 2026 before the first projects are launched in the second half of 2027, according to Financial Afrik.
Benin’s Council of Ministers appointed Damien Mama on 4 November as minister and permanent secretary of the National Steering Committee for Territorial Development Hubs, attached to the presidency of the Republic. He will serve as secretary of the committee chaired by the head of state, Romuald Wadagni, according to Financial Afrik.
The scheme divides Benin’s 77 communes into six hubs — North-East, North-West, Centre, South-East, South-West and Greater Nokoué — to develop industries linked to local resources. The government plans, in particular, at least one flagship industry, a tourism offering and innovation activities in each hub, supported by infrastructure, training and investment incentives.
The governance bodies are to be established by December 2026, before the first priority projects are launched in the second half of 2027. The appointment follows the creation of a 100 billion CFA franc industrial fund, announced on 4 November as part of Benin’s economic development policies.
