It is with immense pride that NCI announces a major new step in its development: the opening of our first international branch in Benin! Scheduled for the end of 2025, this new base of operations will be located in the heart of the vibrant community of Abomey-Calavi. This ambitious project marks our commitment to shifting from a logic of one-off projects to a sustainable and long-term engagement on the ground.
A Vision of Autonomy and Local Impact
Our goal is clear: to create a fully autonomous NCI-Benin branch, managed by and for local actors. Far from a centralized model, we believe that the most just and effective impact comes from local expertise. This future entity will have the mission to develop its own projects, respond to the specific needs of the community, and become a hub for the engaged youth of the region, relying on the support and resources of the global NCI network.
Why Abomey-Calavi?
The choice of Abomey-Calavi is not accidental. It is a strategic crossroads that offers unique opportunities:
- Youth Hub: As a major university city, it has a high concentration of dynamic, creative youth eager to get involved.
- Proximity to Cotonou: Its geographical location allows for easy outreach to the economic capital and its surroundings.
- Rich Associative Fabric: The region is full of local associations with which we wish to collaborate closely to strengthen the solidarity ecosystem.
- Development Potential: It is a rapidly expanding area where initiatives in education, environment, and social entrepreneurship have immense potential for impact.
"The opening of this branch is not an end in itself; it's the beginning of a new era of collaboration. We want NCI-Benin to be led by the Beninese, for the Beninese. Our role is to provide the initial support to make this vision an autonomous and sustainable reality."– Sergio Gandonou, a passionate young Beninese individual
The Future is Built Together
The launch is estimated for late 2025, and until then, the path is being built step by step. We are currently in the planning and partner search phase. This ambitious project relies on collaboration. We are calling on all people of goodwill, local associations, volunteers, and potential partners in Benin to contact us to co-create this new and exciting adventure. Together, let's empower youth to transform their community.