The Ministers of the Beninese government gathered for their weekly meeting on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. A plethora of issues filled the agenda of this working session. Find here the comprehensive report of this meeting.
I- NORMATIVE MEASURES
Approval of the national plan for the cessation of terrestrial analogue television broadcasting and transition to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).
Our country, after implementing its DTT network, embarked on the launch of the first national multiplex on February 17, 2023. Since then, television broadcasts have been simultaneously transmitted in both analogue and digital modes.
With all conducted trials proving successful, it is appropriate that one year after the start of digital broadcasting, the analogue switch-off should be considered.
To achieve this, a national plan for the cessation of analogue broadcasting and the transition to all-digital will be organized in accordance with the legislation in force.
In this regard, the Government has provided for accompanying measures to minimize disruptions that viewers might experience, including the following:
- Implementation of simultaneous broadcasting for at least one year before the effective cessation of analogue broadcasting;
- Guaranteeing access for all households to a subscription-free offering that includes the free DTT channels upon completion of the switch;
- A requirement for importers of DTT reception kits to possess authorization or approval for the equipment they market;
- Exemption from customs duties and value-added tax for equipment necessary for DTT reception;
- Setting capped prices for the sale of the minimum reception kits required for DTT reception;
- State procurement of DTT reception kits and their availability at town halls across all municipalities to facilitate acquisition by the population, etc.
This decree triggers the process of initiating operations for the cessation of terrestrial analogue television broadcasting and the transition to all-digital by August 15, 2024. It will consist of a progressive and final shutdown, by public and private broadcasters, of analogue transmitters still in service, area by area, starting from April 1, 2024.
Other normative measures adopted include decrees concerning:
- Approval of the statutes of the National Public Works Testing and Research Company SA;
- Amendments to decrees on the establishment, responsibilities, and composition of the Preparatory Committee for the International Vodun Museum; the Ouidah Museum City; the Contemporary Art Museum of Cotonou; and the Vodun Rites Committee.
II- COMMUNICATIONS
II-1. Approval of the conclusions of phase 2 of the studies for the Development and Rehabilitation Project of Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo Lagoon.
These studies show that the bodies of water in question are characterized by:
- Siltation and blockage due to prohibited and destructive fishing techniques and equipment as well as freshwater water hyacinth, severely limiting river transport;
- An increasingly pronounced decline in the productivity and production of fisheries;
- Seasonal flooding;
- Deterioration of water quality due to, among other things, pollutants discharged along the banks.
Furthermore, given the pressure from human activity and climate developments, reversing this situation can be challenging. These findings led the Government to initiate the Development and Rehabilitation Project for Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo Lagoon. It is a multisectoral project with significant environmental and social impacts, with an action plan that includes:
- Development of riverine, lacustrine, and lagoonal transport;
- Development and valorization of riverbanks and lowlands;
- Promotion of fishery industries, ecology, and tourism.
Upon completion of the studies, it was particularly decided to seek funding from Dutch cooperation, which supports the Government, for the priority project of sanitation and valorization of water bodies, riverbanks, and lowlands of the Greater Nokoué area, including the segment from Djonou lagoon to Lake Toho at Pahou, for the development of riverine and lagoon transport.
This will involve:
- Clearing water bodies by removing prohibited fishing gear, notably ‘acadjas’;
- Sanitizing the water bodies through dredging;
- Creating ecological islets using the dredged clay sediments;
- Cleaning and developing the riverbanks;
- Creating and extending ports and landing stages;
- Synergy with ongoing and planned projects in the Greater Nokoué area;
- Private sector participation in the investments and operations of the infrastructures to be developed.
The concerned ministers are instructed to carry out the necessary due diligence for this purpose and to commence the detailed studies of phase 3 of the project.
II-2. Approval of the Code of Investments.
The following companies are beneficiaries of the specific investment regime of said code:
- SOBEBRA SA, for its project to install a new bottling line at the Cotonou factory;
- DREAM BEACH SARL, for its project to construct and operate a 5-star COVE BEACH HOTELS & RESORTS “IBILE” in Djomèhountin (Cotonou);
- BENIN TECK COMPANY SAS is approved under the same code’s regime B for its project to construct and operate a modern joinery at Houègbo, Toffo municipality, specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-quality wooden products.
These projects are expected to create hundreds of jobs and add significant value to the national economy.
II-3. Report on the institutional, technical and financial reorganization mission of the sand dredging industry in Greater Nokoué (municipalities of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo, and Sèmè-Podji).
The challenging coexistence between dredging companies and the local communities affected, the uncontrolled collection of taxes, and the non-compliance with environmental and social management plan provisions are the main reasons that make the activity harmful for local communities, destructive to the environment, and unprofitable for the State and municipalities.
As such, the Government has opted for a substantial reform and commissioned a mission aimed at the institutional, technical, and financial reorganization of the sand dredging industry in the concerned municipalities.
The mission’s reports recommend notably:
- Precise mapping of sand dredging zones involved in the reform and other projects planned in municipalities;
- Development of guidelines; defining the stages and components of the reorganization; designing the concession policy; delineating potential sites and evaluating sand reserves;
- Analysis of economic, environmental, and governance measures for efficient quarry management during and after exploitation, including monitoring, control, evaluation, and support for the reform; restoration and rehabilitation of quarries.
To effectively implement the axes of this reform, the following will be carried out:
- Issuance of a decree specifically regulating the activity of lagoon sand dredging in the municipalities of Greater Nokoué;
- The State’s partnership with private partners with solid experience in quarry operations and vehicle weighing;
- The establishment of two data monitoring centers at loading points and axle weighing on transport routes;
- The requirement for each concessionaire to have all the technical equipment and human resources needed for dredging that meets technical and environmental standards;
- Development of a business plan outlining the financial aspects of the reform to highlight potential state revenue;
- Axle weight control on sand transport routes and computerized data transmission at roadside points.
Acknowledging this report and the recommended measures, the Council instructed the concerned ministers to expediently reorganize the industry.
III- INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS AND EVENTS.
Under this section, the Council authorized the participation of the Ministry of Development and Coordination of Government Action in its statutory meetings and other external events for the year 2024.
IV- INDIVIDUAL MEASURES.
The following appointments were made:
Within the Presidency of the Republic
- Director General of the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX): Mr. Moubarak SOUMANOU, in addition to his current duties
In the Ministry of Economy and Finance, in charge of Cooperation
- Technical advisor for monitoring small and medium-sized enterprises: Mr. Edouard SEHLIN
In the Ministry of Justice and Legislation
- Director of Cooperation and Judicial Assistance: Mrs. Innocentia APOVO MONTEIRO
In the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
- Director General of the Territorial Agricultural Development Agency Pole 2: Mr. Issifou DADO DOKO
- Director General of the Territorial Agricultural Development Agency Pole 3: Mr. Didier AGONYISSA
- Director General of the Territorial Agricultural Development Agency Pole 4: Mr. Kolawolé Luc Achille ONILOUDE
- Director General of the Territorial Agricultural Development Agency Pole 5: Mrs. Richicatou SALE
- Departmental Directors of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries as follows:
- Alibori: Mr. Mohamed Youssouf FARA
- Littoral: Mr. Donatien Zinsou MIGAN
- Plateau: Mr. Daré Aubin YOLOU
In the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion
- Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency: Mr. Laurent GANGBES.
Done at Cotonou, on February 28, 2024,
The Secretary-General of the Government,
Edouard OUIN-OURO.
