Rachidi Gbadamassi, Minister Advisor for Defense, visited the Cotonou City Hall on 19 October 2026 to review the municipal development strategy. The local government initiative for the 2026-2033 mandate is officially titled 'Cotonou 2026-2033 : Changer d’échelle'. This strategic framework outlines the administrative and infrastructural priorities established by the municipal leadership for the upcoming years.
During the visit, Rachidi Gbadamassi expressed support for the plan, stating, "J’ai analysé votre projet de mandature. Il s’agit d’un véritable chef-d’œuvre qui rassemble tous les leviers nécessaires pour faire décoller la ville." He indicated that the city’s approach to urban management serves as a model for broader national implementation. Regarding his objective for the site visit, Rachidi Gbadamassi remarked, "Je suis venu m’inspirer de l’expérience de Cotonou pour la partager avec les autres communes du pays." The Minister Advisor for Defense emphasized that the structured methodology applied in Cotonou provides a clear roadmap for municipal growth, which he intends to examine closely as he evaluates development policies across the nation.
Official Visit to Cotonou
Gilbert Déou Malè, the Prefect of the Littoral, accompanied Rachidi Gbadamassi during the 19 October 2026 visit to Cotonou City Hall. The two officials reviewed the municipal infrastructure goals outlined in the current development mandate. This visit served as a formal venue for the Minister Advisor for Defense to observe the implementation of the 'Cotonou 2026-2033 : Changer d’échelle' project firsthand. By engaging directly with the municipal administration, the delegation sought to understand the specific mechanisms driving the city's current progress.
Rachidi Gbadamassi, who previously served as the mayor of Parakou, noted his long-standing professional history with the Prefect. During his tenure as the mayor of Parakou, Rachidi Gbadamassi worked in various capacities alongside Gilbert Déou Malè. Reflecting on their past collaboration, Rachidi Gbadamassi stated, "Lorsque j’étais maire de Parakou et lui ministre, c’est grâce à son appui que nous avons obtenu nos premiers pavés. Je connais sa rigueur et ses capacités."
The visit to Cotonou City Hall allowed for a detailed discussion regarding the operational challenges and successes associated with the 'Cotonou 2026-2033 : Changer d’échelle' initiative. Rachidi Gbadamassi and Gilbert Déou Malè spent significant time assessing the technical aspects of the mandate, focusing on how the municipal government intends to execute its development projects over the seven-year period. By drawing on his own experience as the mayor of Parakou, Rachidi Gbadamassi noted the importance of inter-municipal cooperation and the sharing of best practices. The collaborative atmosphere of the meeting shows the ongoing efforts to align local development strategies with broader administrative goals, ensuring that the progress seen in Cotonou can be effectively analyzed and potentially adapted for other municipalities throughout the country.