The ECOWAS Regional Stabilization and Development Fund (RSDF) officially launched its activities in Benin on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. The initiative is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to promote socio-economic stabilization and recovery in fragile communities within the ECOWAS region. The launch event took place in Cotonou, Benin, with several dignitaries in attendance including Mr. Habib Tidjani, Technical Advisor to the Minister of State for Finance and Economy of Benin; H.E. Amadou Diongue, Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Benin; Mr. Felix Kress, Cooperation Attaché at the German Embassy; representatives from GIZ and KFW; and national implementing partners.
The RSDF launch follows a grant agreement signed by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and H.E. Romuald Wadagni, Minister of State in charge of Economy and Finance of Benin. The agreement covers $2 million intended for socio-economic stabilization interventions in Atacora, Donga, and Collines from 2024 to 2027. This funding is part of a larger total financing package amounting to €17 million that Benin could receive as support from the RSDF.
During his speech at the launch event, H.E. Amadou Diongue expressed gratitude on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission to the Government of Benin and its Head of State. He provided an overview of current challenges facing ECOWAS and highlighted the history and purpose behind creating the RSDF. "This project clearly shows that the fight against violent extremism is not only a military matter," he stated.
Mr. Felix Kress emphasized Germany's commitment to supporting ECOWAS through GIZ and KFW on behalf of BMZ. He expressed a desire for accelerated implementation of planned activities under the RSDF.
Representing Benin’s Minister of State for Economy and Finance at the launch event, Technical Adviser Habib Tidjani reviewed consultations held with local players and stakeholders in target areas to ensure alignment with local and national development plans. He mentioned that a national advisory committee chaired by the Ministry of Economy and Finance has been established to ensure project activities reflect national priorities.
Following official speeches, Mr. Raouf Salami presented an overview of RSDF's objectives as Executive Assistant to the Vice-President of ECOWAS Commission before opening up for media questions.
Launched by ECOWAS in 2019, RSDF aims to address employment issues through vocational training, basic infrastructure development, promotion of entrepreneurship; environmental concerns such as reforestation, irrigation projects; renewable energy initiatives; social cohesion services like sports programs; media for peace initiatives; conflict resolution mechanisms among others.
In Benin alone this project targets approximately 24,000 beneficiaries working alongside partners like CARE International & VSF-B ensuring strong collaboration between Government entities & German Cooperation aligning efforts towards achieving Vision2050 'ECOWAS Of People.'
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