The World Bank Group has approved US$240 million in financing to support coastal protection and climate resilience efforts in Benin and Mauritania, as part of a broader regional initiative to safeguard vulnerable shorelines in West Africa.
The funding marks the first phase of the West Africa Coastal Areas Blue Economy and Resilience Programme (WACA+), which aims to address erosion, flooding, and ecosystem degradation while promoting sustainable economic activities along the coast.
The financing package includes US$207 million from the International Development Association, $5 million from the PROBLUE trust fund, and US$28 million in private capital. The programme is expected to protect more than 530,000 people and generate around 13,000 jobs.
“West Africa’s coastal communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing the loss of the ecosystems and economic assets they rely on,” said Chakib Jenane. “WACA+ brings the integrated response these challenges demand.”
In Benin, the project will focus on key ecological zones, including the Bouche du Roy estuary and the mouth of the Mono River. The Bouche du Roy area, a protected site established in 2016 and later recognized by UNESCO, spans nearly 10,000 hectares and supports more than 25,000 people. It is also a critical biodiversity zone linked to Lake Ahémé and the Aho complex.
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Interventions there will include coastal protection infrastructure and the restoration of mangroves and wetlands—ecosystems vital for fisheries, flood control, and carbon storage.
In Mauritania, efforts will centre on reinforcing the dune barrier protecting Nouakchott, where flood risks are rising due to sea-level rise and rapid urban expansion. The capital remains highly vulnerable to coastal flooding, with both natural and human-induced factors compounding the threat.
According to a recent World Bank assessment, Mauritania’s economy could face significant losses by 2050 without adaptation measures, with climate-related risks such as flooding, sea-level rise, and drought weighing heavily on growth.
Beyond infrastructure, WACA+ will also support ecosystem restoration across both countries, including the rehabilitation of up to 3,000 hectares of mangroves and wetlands. These efforts are expected to improve fish stocks, strengthen food security, and create opportunities in ecotourism.
The programme places a strong emphasis on private sector participation. It includes support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, alongside financing tools such as credit guarantees—particularly aimed at boosting fisheries processing and related industries in Mauritania.
More than 31,000 people are expected to benefit from capacity-building initiatives under the programme, spanning sectors such as aquaculture, hospitality, logistics, and environmental management.
“WACA+ provides a truly regional platform, linking countries, harmonizing policies, and mobilizing shared expertise,” said Marina Wes. “This cooperation is essential to safeguarding the shared coastline and unlocking new opportunities for millions of people.”
Coastal zones in West Africa account for a significant share of economic activity but are increasingly under pressure from climate change, population growth, and unsustainable practices.
The WACA+ programme aims to lay the foundation for a coordinated regional response, with a long-term goal of protecting more than 1.3 million hectares of marine areas and supporting over 50,000 jobs across the region.
As climate risks intensify, development partners say such investments will be critical to preserving livelihoods and ensuring sustainable growth along West Africa’s coastline.
