Damien Mama: Appointed Secrétaire Permanent Bénin for Territorial Development

• Damien Mama was appointed Minister, Permanent Secretary of the National Committee for Territorial Development Steering on November 4, 2026.
• He expressed gratitude to President Romuald Wadagni and committed to leveraging his two decades of United Nations experience for Benin's development.
• Mama's vision is to transform every region of Benin—from its northern reaches to the south, and from east to west—into a dynamic engine of growth, prosperity, and opportunity.
• The National Committee oversees a territorial development policy based on six poles, covering all 77 communes of Benin.
• This policy aims to structure investments and stimulate economic activities by considering each territory's unique characteristics.

Damien Mama aims to transform every region of Benin—from its northern reaches to the south, and from east to west—into a dynamic engine of growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all its inhabitants.

On November 4, 2026, Damien Mama was officially appointed as Minister, Permanent Secretary of the National Committee for Territorial Development Steering, following a decision by the Council of Ministers. This significant `nomination Damien Mama Bénin` places him at the forefront of a crucial national initiative aimed at fostering balanced growth across the country. Hours after the announcement, Mama conveyed his profound appreciation and commitment through a message shared on his social media platforms.

In his public statement, Damien Mama articulated a deep sense of emotion and duty upon accepting this new role. He specifically extended his gratitude to President Romuald Wadagni for the trust bestowed upon him. Mama emphasized his honor in serving under the President's leadership, expressing a clear intention to translate the national vision into tangible actions that benefit the Beninese populace.

Damien Mama has declared his intention to dedicate his extensive experience, cultivated over more than two decades with the United Nations across various global regions, to the service of his home country. He views each past mission as a valuable opportunity for learning and growth, acquiring precious expertise that he now eagerly seeks to apply within Benin. His return to the nation holds particular significance for him, marking a personal commitment to national progress.

Central to his new mandate, Mama aims to transform every region of Benin—from its northern reaches to the south, and from east to west—into a dynamic engine of growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all its inhabitants.

As the new Permanent Secretary, Damien Mama will lead the secretariat of the `Comité national pilotage pôles développement territorial`, a body instrumental in guiding the implementation of Benin's `politique développement territorial Bénin`. This comprehensive reform is structured around six distinct development poles, collectively encompassing all 77 communes across the nation. The committee's overarching responsibility is to ensure the effective execution of this strategic framework.

The core objectives of this policy are multifaceted: to enhance the structuring of `investissement régional Bénin`, to vigorously stimulate economic activities, and crucially, to achieve these goals while giving due consideration to the unique specificities and characteristics of each individual territory. This approach underscores a commitment to tailored development that respects local contexts and maximizes regional advantages.

The appointment of Damien Mama to lead the National Committee for Territorial Development signals a reinforced focus on regional economic structuring and investment stimulation in Benin. Lawyers advising clients on business development, real estate, or investment projects in Benin should monitor the committee's initiatives and potential regulatory changes stemming from this policy to identify new opportunities or compliance considerations related to regional development.

Source: Original reporting via 24 Heures au Bénin