Sport in schools : BOAD supports the Beninese government

With the signature of this agreement, Benin becomes the second country after Togo to join the West African Development Bank’s (BOAD) « school and university sports » initiative. This regional initiative promotes the emergence of competitive sport and access to sport for all young people within the community space of the 8 UEMOA countries (Benin, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo)

« This agreement is in line with the BOAD’s DJOLIBA 2021-2025 strategic plan. In its strategic vision and missions, the Bank intends to place youth at the heart of its interventions » said Serge Ekué, President of WADB at the signing of the partnership framework agreement. The BOAD President said that « in the school environment, physical and sports education is a factor for the success and development of our children both physically and mentally. It is a factor of integration and prevention of school drop-out and violence ».

The favorable context for the emergence of high-level sport and the generalisation of sports practice in Benin have convinced BOAD to support and accompany Benin. « The seed we are planting through this signature will bear fruit of which we will all be proud » said Benin’s Sports Minister Oswald Homéky before specifying that the bridge was now with BOAD and that the Ministry of Finance would serve as an interface.

The partnership will focus on the improvement of sports infrastructure, the training of coaches and athletes, and the development of programmes to promote sports and leisure activities through the funds allocated by BOAD. The agreement also includes youth outreach programmes, sports scholarships and mentoring programmes for students.

With the deployment of these initiatives, Benin’s youth will benefit from access to both quality sports facilities and equipment combined with training and professional integration programmes. This dynamic will reinforce the role of sport as a vector for the commitment and development of young people in healthy and balanced activities.