Support to decentralisation, Benin 

COWI provides technical assistance to support the newly established municipalities in Benin (PRODECOM).

The decentralisation process has been on the agenda for nearly 10 years in Benin. By December 2002, these efforts resulted in the organisation of local municipal elections hence laying the foundations of 77 new municipalities.

Central coordination and mobile teams

The services of COWI comprise the set up of a national coordination unit based in Cotonou, composed of one international and four national consultants. In addition, seven mobile teams have been created in order to reach even the most remote municipal councils and offer them support to meet their new responsibilities. Beside the support to the municipalities, the coordination team is also in charge of institution strengthening and communication at central level.

Training in decentralisation

With special funding from Danida, COWI organises a special training course for key personnel from national ministries, institutions and the coordination unit. The course takes place in Denmark and concentrates on different topics related to decentralisation.