A statement issued on Tuesday, October 18 in Cotonou mentioned that the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has granted $18.4 million in funding to the government Ninoes.

According to the press release, the aim of the IDB financing project is to stimulate a viable integrated rice and maize subsector in order to promote economic diversification, la sé food security, sustainable employment opportunities and to improve people's livelihoods. It will also allow the implementation of various activities, namely the development and rehabilitation of new lowlands with adequate irrigation schemes, access to improved seeds for rice and maize, the rehabilitation of roads, accesses and water reservoirs, according to the same source. According to the press release, “as part of the implementation of the government's action program (PAG 2021-2026), this project reinforces the government's efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals.”