(Ecofin Agency) - In a release published on the official website of government of Benin, gouv.bj, the Presidency announced the launching of construction of Benin Smart City, the country’s first digital area. The first stone was laid by President Boni Yayi on February 11, 2016, in Cotonou. This project falls in line with the “government’s ambition to make digital economy a pool of development and a weapon to fight unemployment”.

According to the release, Benin Smart City will cover an area of 12 hectares and will be established near the landing station of new ACE sub-marine fiber cable. The project will cost $120 million and once completed, will host institutions, companies, banks, data centers, auditoriums, conference centers, call centers, network monitoring centers, incubation centers for start-ups, restaurants, shopping, etc.

Considering its proximity with Nigeria, Benin intends to make Benin Smart City a major hub for the development of ICT in West Africa. “This project is for us is a dream which we have been nurturing for years. However, today this dream becomes reality. We are building the Benin of tomorrow, the Benin that wins. Digital economy is the main cause of modernization in the 21st century. If we want to boost our growth and protect that growth, we have to invest in this sector,” said President Boni Yayi.