Benin faces a complex intersection of economic vulnerability, weak governance structures, and inadequate social protection. Despite notable economic growth, the country struggles with a high level of poverty, a large informal sector, and limited access to essential services for its most vulnerable people. Governance issues, including insufficient public finance management and lack of transparency, exacerbate these problems, hindering effective policy implementation and eroding public trust. The PAGODES programme mitigates these challenges by strengthening governance, fostering economic formalisation, and developing a comprehensive social protection system to ensure more equitable and sustainable outcomes.

PAGODES strengthens governance through improved public finance management and enhanced transparency and accountability in government institutions. The programme facilitates the structural transformation of Benin's economy by promoting the formalization of economic activities and supporting inclusive growth. Additionally, PAGODES focuses on developing a comprehensive social protection system to better serve vulnerable populations and improve access to essential services.

The programme enhances governance structures and promotes sustainability by implementing reforms and building capacity within government institutions. It provides budget support, engages in political dialogue, and offers technical assistance to improve public finance management, enhance budget transparency, and reinforce democratic processes.

To strengthen the rule of law, structurally transform the economy, and improve citizens’ well-being, PAGODES is promoting electronic payment systems, building capacity of the Court of Accounts, and creating reforms to increase the efficiency of public services. The programme also emphasises inclusive growth by developing robust social protections for vulnerable groups. As the project progresses, these efforts are expected to result in a more resilient economy and better quality of life for Benin's citizens.

Implementing electronic payments for public transactions, PAGODES has improved efficiency and reduced opportunities for corruption in the public sector. Initial capacity-building efforts for the Court of Accounts have enhanced oversight and increased accountability in public financial management.

By operationalizing new public finance management tools and systems and training government officials to use them, PAGODES continues to strengthen institutional capacity. The programme will also expand and formalise the social protection network to adequately support a broader range of vulnerable groups.