Minister Janvier Yahouédéou launched a national tour on 13 October 2026 to assess potential locations for the establishment of territorial development hubs across Benin. On October 13, 2026, Minister Janvier Yahouédéou launched a national tour to prepare for the establishment of territorial development hubs. The initiative aims to prepare for the implementation of regional growth centers intended to stimulate economic activity throughout the country. During this series of visits, the minister plans to evaluate the infrastructure and local capacity in various municipalities to determine their suitability for integrated development projects. The tour itinerary includes stops in Parakou, Borgou, Kandi, Natitingou, Djougou, and Dassa-Zoumè. By engaging with local stakeholders, Janvier Yahouédéou seeks to gather data on the specific needs of these areas to inform future government planning.
Consultations With Departmental Prefects
Minister Janvier Yahouédéou is conducting a series of formal consultations with the prefects representing each of the twelve departments throughout Benin. The tour involves meeting with prefects of the twelve departments across Benin. These meetings form a core component of the national mission to evaluate potential sites for regional growth centers.
Parakou served as the initial destination for the ministerial delegation. The first stop of the mission was in Parakou, the capital of the Borgou department. During his visit to the capital of the Borgou department, Janvier Yahouédéou conducted an inspection of the former prefecture buildings to assess their current state and potential for future integration into development projects. The minister inspected the former prefecture buildings and the Administrative City in Parakou. The minister also toured the Administrative City in Parakou to review the existing infrastructure and determine the capacity of the site to support the planned economic initiatives.
Future stages of the tour will take the minister to Kandi, Natitingou, Djougou, and Dassa-Zoumè. Future stops on the ministerial tour include Kandi, Natitingou, Djougou, and Dassa-Zoumè. Janvier Yahouédéou intends to meet with the leadership in these remaining municipalities to continue the assessment process and collect data on local requirements. The ministerial delegation will document the specific logistical and structural findings at each of these locations to ensure that the final selection for the territorial development hubs is based on full on-site evaluations. Following the completion of the visits to Kandi, Natitingou, Djougou, and Dassa-Zoumè, the minister will compile the findings to present to the relevant government authorities. This systematic approach is designed to ensure that the regional growth centers are positioned to maximize their economic impact for the residents of the respective departments. Janvier Yahouédéou continues to emphasize the importance of direct engagement with local leadership to ensure that the government's planning aligns with the specific developmental potential identified in each municipality. The tour represents a structured effort to facilitate the long-term economic strategy for the nation.
