Modern and innovative hospital for the populations in Benin
In 3 years, a new university hospital centre near Cotonou will offer state-of-the-art benefits and services enabling an on-site management of all the pathologies that have been evacuated so far.
Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance has signed an agreement with Bouygues Bâtiment International for the construction of a hospital in the country's second largest city. Financed by Societe Generale, the 40,000 m² health facility is scheduled for completion in 2023.
The new university hospital centre (UHC) of Abomey-Calavi, located 18km from Cotonou, the economic capital, will be built on a 15-hectare site. Intended to become the standard hospital in Benin, the UHC will have the capacity for approximately 430 beds spread over two floors. This modern and innovative construction of over 40,000 m² will include six large hospitalisation units, including a high-level technical platform with three day hospitals, emergency facilities, a laboratory, medical imaging, radiotherapy and nine operating rooms. It will also have teaching spaces, accommodation for staff and a funeral home as well as medical, hotel and technical logistics units.
Bouygues Bâtiment International was awarded the contract for the development and construction of a hospital centre. Emmanuel Bernard, Head of Development department within Bouygues Bâtiment International, says “We are delighted to have been able to structure and implement a beautiful project for Benin. It is a project that is in line with the government’s priorities and, above all, makes sense for the populations. Healthcare is a key focus for Bouygues Bâtiment International, both for its corporate values and in terms of product strategy.”
The construction works will take over 36 months to build, with completion scheduled for 2023. The development of the plan as well as the project management were entrusted to Michel Beauvais Associés, which also finalised the analysis of the technical programme carried out by the AP-HP and by the design offices of Egis Bâtiments International. The environmental and social impact study has already been validated, with the hospital aiming for environmental certification Edge.
Societe Generale acted as Mandated Lead Arranger, lender and agent to support the Republic of Benin for the construction and equipment of a new public hospital in Benin.
“Since the beginning of the operation in 2017, we have been more than pleased with our collaboration with Societe Generale. The Finance Export team was pro-active from start to finish and was able to adapt to the demands and requirements of the Beninese government. The bank has not hesitated to accompany us in the various stages of negotiations and to show initiative and efficiency especially during the process of lifting the CP’S. Their knowledge of Africa as well as their presence in the territory are real assets. We will not hesitate to renew our partnership and show them our assurance in this country and elsewhere.”
Thierry Eisenstein, Head of Export Finance, Bouygues Construction.
It is a flagship project that makes sense for the country’s sustainable development. Our Export Finance experts were keen to help the success of this project for the Republic of Benin through the implementation of a financing of 175 M€. We thank the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Benin and Bouygues Bâtiment International for their confidence.
Sustainable development and well-being for all!
The construction of the hospital centre is important for Benin and is part of a 2018-2025 National Development Plan which matches economic emergence and sustainable development while also focusing on poverty reduction and inequalities. The new facility fits in with one of the four major axes of the plan - human capital and the well-being of populations – and will facilitate access to basic and better care for a large part of the citizens. It will also help reduce congestion in the country’s main hospital, in Cotonou.
“To date, the Beninese health system is facing many difficulties, including health evacuations with a high financial impact on the national budget. The new Abomey-Calavy University Hospital will be the most complete reference hospital in the sub-region. It will offer state-of-the-art benefits and services that will soon enable us to guarantee an on-site management of all the pathologies that have been evacuated so far. In general, the hospital will enable Benin to take a key step forward in the health reforms and innovations included in the Government’s Action Plan.” Romuald Wadagni, Minister of Economy and Finance of Benin
Ensuring a healthy life as well as promoting the well-being of all is essential for sustainable development and all the more essential in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis. By contributing to the financing of this new health facility in Benin, the bank is contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as to the African Union's Agenda 2063. In addition, this infrastructure project is fully in line with the Societe Generale Group's ‘Grow with Africa’ initiative, which aims to contribute to a positive and sustainable transformation of the African continent.
Societe Generale Group and its subsidiary Societe Generale Benin are particularly proud of the conclusion of this financing for the construction of the first large-scale hospital in Benin. This major investment by the Republic of Benin will mark a significant turning point in improving the health conditions of the Beninese populations.