ANCB: Luc Gnacadja Sets Three Priorities for Decentralization in Benin (2026-2033)

A Mandate Focused on Territorial Economy and Municipal Autonomy

Installed as President of the National Association of Benin’s Municipalities (ANCB) and Mayor of Cotonou on 2 October 2026, Luc Gnacadja unveiled the three pillars of his strategic plan for the period 2026-2033. His primary goal is to move beyond administrative management and position municipalities as engines of economic development, through a project-based approach and tangible results. The ceremony, chaired by the Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance, gathered local elected officials and technical and financial partners.

Three Pillars for Operational Decentralization

1. Advocating for Municipal Interests with the State: Luc Gnacadja highlighted delays in public procurement procedures, which limit municipal budget execution to an average of 30%. He emphasized the need for demanding dialogue with central authorities while maintaining absolute transparency in management.

1. Strengthening Local Capacities: The ANCB will serve as a technical support lever for municipalities, through staff training, structured project development, and sharing proven solutions. A cited example is the flood-prevention method implemented in a Cotonou school (Mèdédjro), successfully replicated in other institutions.

1. Mobilizing Financial Resources: The third priority aims to increase municipalities’ own revenues and expand decentralized cooperation, exploring new financing avenues.

A Project-Based Approach and Partnerships to Strengthen

Unlike a grievance-based approach, Luc Gnacadja announced a project-driven strategy, with rigorous fund tracking. Working sessions with technical and financial partners are planned in the coming weeks to define a new collaboration framework, following the closure of several programs.

In the short term, the ANCB’s national bureau must adopt its budget, establish thematic commissions, and draft a strategic plan after consultations with Benin’s 77 municipalities.

The Minister reiterated during the ceremony that decentralization must converge toward a single objective: improving the living conditions of populations. He also underscored the central role of citizens, whose active participation (cleanliness, protection of public infrastructure) is essential to anchor reforms.

Next step: drafting the ANCB’s strategic plan, scheduled after consultations with local governments.