COTONOU, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The Beninese government and the World Bank Group on Friday signed two financing agreements worth a total of 320 million U.S. dollars to support energy infrastructure and human capital development, according to a government press release issued on Saturday.
The agreements were signed in Cotonou, Benin's economic capital, in the presence of government officials, World Bank representatives and development partners.
The first agreement, worth 150 million dollars, will finance the construction of the Dogo-Bis multipurpose hydroelectric dam. The project aims to increase Benin's electricity generation capacity, improve water security and support the development of an agro-industrial hub in the Oueme Valley.
The second agreement, valued at 170 million dollars, will support the first phase of the ALAFIA program, which seeks to improve access to integrated nutrition, healthcare and early childhood development services, particularly for women and children.
Benin's Minister of Energy, Water and Mines Edouard Dahome said the Dogo-Bis dam would help boost agricultural activities in the Oueme Valley and expand the country's electricity production capacity.
According to the press release, the two projects reflect the Beninese government's strategy of combining productive infrastructure investment with human capital development to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. ■