The National Assembly of Bénin has greenlit a landmark funding agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) to bring the Musée d’Art contemporain de Cotonou (MACC) to life. Approved during a legislative session, the project carries a total investment of 30 million euros—equivalent to nearly 19.7 billion CFA francs—and is designed to elevate the country’s cultural influence while boosting its thriving creative economy.
The financing structure combines a soft loan of 25 million euros (around 16.4 billion CFA francs) with a grant of 5 million euros (approximately 3.3 billion CFA francs). Before the final vote, the agreement underwent thorough scrutiny by the Education, Culture, and Social Affairs Committee, which concluded that the repayment terms offered by the AFD present a manageable burden on national finances.
Yassine Latoundji, Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, highlighted the project’s economic potential during his address to lawmakers. “This initiative will serve as an economic catalyst for our cultural and creative industries, fostering job creation, urban revitalization, and revenue streams across the entire ecosystem,” he emphasized.
The funding extends beyond the physical construction of the museum. It also covers the operational setup, including museological engineering, staff training, and the museum’s grand opening. A key focus will be on empowering women to participate in cultural and creative professions, aligning with broader national inclusion goals.
The MACC is part of Bénin’s long-term cultural development strategy, first launched in 2016. It will stand alongside other major initiatives, such as the International Museum of Memory and Slavery in Ouidah, the International Vodun Museum in Porto-Novo, and the Museum of Kings and Amazons in Abomey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—reinforcing the country’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its heritage.
Beyond its cultural mission, the new museum is envisioned as a platform for cultural diplomacy, giving Bénin’s contemporary artists greater visibility on the global stage. The AFD’s continued investment in Bénin’s cultural sector underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations in this domain.
Following parliamentary approval, the agreement must now be formally ratified before construction can commence. As of now, the government has not released a projected timeline for the project’s completion.
