• Reform targets major cities to improve logistics and mobility
• Initiative supports growing e-commerce and delivery market demand

Benin has taken a strategic step to modernize its transport system, approving a national strategy to standardize and regulate the naming and numbering of streets and buildings at its latest Cabinet meeting.

The initiative aims to improve the efficiency of urban transport and logistics as parcel delivery services and ride-hailing activity expand.

The first phase will cover main cities, specifically, Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Porto-Novo, Sèmè-Podji and Parakou. In these cities, the lack of a formal address system remains a major barrier to mobility. Despite partial progress in some areas, people still rely heavily on informal landmarks, making it harder for drivers to find destinations in both transport and logistics.

This leads to longer journeys, higher fuel consumption and lower productivity, as e-commerce and on-demand services expand across Africa.

A fast-growing market

According to the Payments and E-commerce in Africa 2024 report by fintech firm Nikulipe, the continent’s e-commerce market is projected to grow from $30.71 billion in 2024 to $45.72 billion in 2028, an increase of nearly 49% over four years. Over the same period, the last-mile delivery segment could reach about $8.9 billion by 2031, up from $5.14 billion in 2024.

The reform is part of a broader effort to shift Benin’s transport system toward a more technology-driven model, alongside ongoing road development and the gradual rollout of digital tools such as video surveillance on key corridors and connected systems to manage traffic.

However, implementation will face several challenges. Keeping data up to date, ensuring public adoption and coordinating across government institutions will be critical. Securing the technical and financial resources needed to sustain the system over time will also be essential.

Henoc Dossa