The OPEC Fund for International Development has signed loan agreements with the governments of Benin ($15 million) and Togo ($10 million). The objective is to support the Regional Program for the Integration of Agricultural Markets (Prima) co-financed by IFAD.

The Prima program will help improve the performance of sub-regional trade centers and cross-border transport corridors, promote rural entrepreneurship for youth and women, and integrate smallholders into national and sub-regional markets. The funds are expected to finance the rehabilitation of a total of nine semi-wholesale markets, 19 produce collection centers and 500 km of rural road sections, linking production areas to markets. In addition, 4,000 hectares of agricultural land will be developed for sustainable irrigation management.