What They Won't Show You In Cotonou, Benin - Behind The Scenes

Please watch my other videos: "Ghana Is Not Looking Back - Beacon of Peace in West Africa"
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the largest city and economic hub of Benin, is an exemplary model of urban organization in West Africa. With a population of over 13 million, Benin is a small yet dynamic country. In this video I show you the high level of organization in the country that ensures residents—whether wealthy or economically disadvantaged—enjoy a consistent quality of life. Also we look at Perhaps one of the most striking examples of Cotonou’s organized urban development that is the transformation of its public markets.

Cotonou the capital city is home to approximately 1.3 million people, making it not only the most populous city in Benin but also the center of commerce, government activity, and cultural diversity. The city’s population is a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, with French being the official language, facilitating communication and governance, though local languages like Fon, and Yoruba are widely spoken.

Despite its growing population and rapid urbanization, Cotonou has managed to maintain a high degree of organization, particularly in the areas of public services and infrastructure. This level of development ensures that the city's residents—whether wealthy or economically disadvantaged—enjoy a consistent quality of life. The local government has focused on creating an equitable society where the benefits of modernization and urban development are distributed across social classes.

A cornerstone of Cotonou's well-organized urban structure is its reliable and equitable utility services. Water, electricity, and waste management are critical services in any growing city, and Cotonou has excelled in making these services accessible to all its residents. The city has implemented a utility pricing system that charges residents according to their economic status. Unlike in many other developing cities, this does not translate into poorer services for the economically disadvantaged. In fact, lower-income residents have access to the same quality of utilities as their wealthier counterparts, albeit at a reduced cost. This system is designed to avoid putting an undue financial strain on those who are less able to afford the full market price of these services, ensuring that all citizens can enjoy the benefits of modern infrastructure.

For instance, electricity in Cotonou is delivered through a well-maintained grid that continuous to be highly reliable. Water services are equally reliable, with the city ensuring clean, safe drinking water is available in both urban and peri-urban areas. Additionally, the waste management system has improved significantly over recent years, with an emphasis on sanitation in public spaces and residential areas. These factors collectively contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents.

Another critical aspect of Cotonou’s organization is its robust law enforcement and public safety measures. The local government, in collaboration with national security forces, has worked diligently to ensure that the rule of law is upheld across all neighborhoods. The city's police force is well-trained and accessible to citizens from all walks of life. This dedication to law and order fosters a sense of security among residents and allows businesses to thrive in a stable environment.

Perhaps one of the most striking examples of Cotonou’s organized urban development is the transformation of its public markets. Historically, local markets were informal, crowded, and often lacked proper sanitation, creating difficult conditions for both vendors and customers. However, in recent years, the government has undertaken significant efforts to modernize these markets, transforming them into well-designed public shopping malls that serve all segments of society.

These modern shopping malls have been built in various neighborhoods across Cotonou and other cities, offering affordable goods, at much lower prices than those found in private supermarkets. The country’s investment in these public markets is part of a broader effort to improve the standard of living for all citizens, ensuring that even those with limited incomes can access high-quality goods in clean, organized environments.