Brussels, 04/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - During his visit to the West African country of Benin (from Thursday 4 September), Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs will announce €450 million in European development aid to the country over a seven-year period.
Benin is a member of the ACP group of countries (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) bound to the EU through the Cotonou Agreement, signed in Benin's capital city in 2000 for a 20-year time frame.
This aid will be financed from the European Development Fund (11th EDF) and will focus on three sectors: good governance, agriculture and energy (access to energy, promotion of renewable energies and energy saving).
During this visit, the Commissioner and Benin will also sign four financing agreements totalling €47 million. These concern the Economic Governance Support Project (€5 million), the Easier Access to Drinking Water for All Water Sector Support Project (€19 million), the Justice Support Programme (€8 million) and the Benin/Niger Transport Programme (€15 million). (AN)