The gathering, held at the Novotel Cotonou Orisha, brought together key representatives from the Beninese government, the United Nations system, various technical and financial partners, and numerous stakeholders actively involved in climate policy. Among the notable attendees were Georges Alé, the Minister of Living Environment and Transport, responsible for Sustainable Development, and Aminatou Sar, the Resident Coordinator for the United Nations system in Benin.

Félix Kress, Cooperation Attaché at the German Embassy in Benin, also represented the German diplomatic mission. His presence underscores the vital role anticipated from international partners in providing financial support, technical assistance, and capacity building essential for the successful execution of this new climate roadmap.

The NDC 3.0 spans the period from 2026 to 2035 and targets several sectors identified as particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Agriculture, energy, water resources, forestry, health, infrastructure, tourism, and coastal regions are among the critical areas slated for adaptation and resilience-building measures.

A financing need estimated at $14.5 billion

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

The projected investments are designed to reduce the vulnerability of territories, safeguard crucial infrastructure, and enhance the capacity of communities to withstand climate-related events. They are also presented as a means to protect economic activities susceptible to droughts, floods, coastal erosion, and the degradation of natural resources.

For Beninese authorities, the NDC 3.0 transcends a mere environmental commitment. It is intended to guide investment decisions and integrate climate risks into public policies, infrastructure projects, and broader economic development strategies.

However, successful implementation will depend 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 among the most vulnerable populations.

Through this updated contribution, Benin seeks to intricately link the reduction of climate vulnerability with the protection of its economy and territorial development. The operational details of this extensive ambition for 2026-2035—including a precise project timeline, funding mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks—are yet to be fully articulated.