On 2 and 3 October 2025, a strategic workshop on carbon markets was held in Cotonou, bringing together a wide range of actors from Benin’s private sector.
Held under the theme “Business and engagement opportunities for the Beninese private sector”, the workshop aimed to strengthen the understanding and participation of private sector players in carbon mechanisms within the framework of the Paris Agreement, thereby promoting sustainable and low-carbon economic growth.
The event was jointly organised by West African Development Bank (BOAD), West African Alliance for Carbon Markets and Climate Finance (WAA), Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations du Bénin (CDC Benin), and Société d’Investissement et de Promotion de l’Industrie (SIPI-BENIN S.A.).
The opening ceremony featured remarks from :
Mrs Maryse Lokossou, Director General of CDC Benin, who highlighted the need for a practical approach to monetising carbon credits while balancing economic performance with climate impact.
Mr Létondji Beheton, Managing Director of SIPI-BENIN S.A., shed light on ARISE IIP’s carbon initiatives and the pioneering projects developed within GDIZ.
Mr Jonathan Dosseh, representing BOAD, emphasised the strategic role of carbon markets and the importance of active private sector engagement.
The first day of the workshop focused on:
- An overview of carbon markets and the Paris Agreement (Article 6);
- Business opportunities arising from carbon markets;
- Regulatory and operational procedures in place in Benin;
- Key stages in structuring and managing a carbon project cycle;
- Experience sharing by companies and institutions such as Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), Société Nationale de Gestion Intégrée des Déchets du Sénégal (SONAGED), Sika Capital, among others.
The second day was devoted to practical case studies, allowing participants to apply the theoretical concepts covered during the first session. The exercises focused particularly on evaluating carbon projects, to better understand the assessment process, key evaluation criteria, and essential elements involved in designing carbon projects.
This workshop helped strengthen dialogue among private sector stakeholders and stimulate interest in low-carbon solutions. For SIPI-BENIN S.A., this commitment is part of a sustainable vision of industrial development, where economic performance goes hand in hand with climate preservation.
