Bangkok, Thailand, 12 October 2026 – The Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, and the Delegate Minister to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management of the Republic of Benin, H.E. Mr. Hugues Oscar Lokossou, held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok to strengthen development cooperation between the IsDB Group and the Republic of Benin.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss Benin’s development priorities and explore avenues for further cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, and other sectors.

Following the meeting, IsDB and the Republic of Benin signed co-financing agreements for two key development projects.

The Godomey–Ouidah–Hillacondji Road Capacity Expansion and Upgrading Project, with a total cost of €576.06 million, will receive €306.89 million in IsDB financing to improve road safety and efficiency, reduce travel times and transport costs, and strengthen regional connectivity and trade along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor.

The Sustainable Intensification of Legume-Based Systems for Soil Fertility, Agricultural Resilience, and Food Security Project, with a total cost of €20.70 million, will receive €19.17 million in IsDB financing to promote sustainable legume-based agriculture, improve soil fertility, strengthen food security, and enhance climate resilience across five development poles.

H.E. Dr. Al Jasser reaffirmed the IsDB Group’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with the Republic of Benin, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration to advance sustainable development and deliver tangible benefits to communities.

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