Nearly three decades after first inaugurating it, former Beninese President Nicéphore Dieudonné Soglo revisited the Cotonou International Conference Centre (CIC) on July 11, 2025, to witness its stunning transformation.
Once a symbol of national ambition in 1994, the centre has been extensively renovated and integrated into the Sofitel Hotel complex under President Patrice Talon’s visionary leadership.
The visit was rich in emotion and symbolism, reflecting both a nod to the past and a hopeful gaze toward the future.
Soglo, who laid the foundation stone of the original CIC, was visibly impressed as he toured the revamped facility. Welcomed by Juliette Péron, General Manager of the Sofitel Hotel, he explored the elegant corridors, admiring the monumental chandelier, soaring ceilings, sleek modern finishes, and state-of-the-art equipment.
“That is what modernizing the country is all about, we must continue it at all levels,” he told the press, lauding the revival of a building that had long been neglected.
The new CIC has been elevated to a premier venue in West Africa, offering a versatile space capable of hosting dinners for 500 guests and conferences accommodating up to 700 participants.
Juliette Péron highlighted its role in major international gatherings, including French-speaking parliamentary meetings and the Francophonie economic summit, underscoring Cotonou’s growing appeal as a hub for high-profile events.
For Soglo, the centre’s renewal epitomizes political determination and the broader aspiration to build “a modern and dignified Africa, capable of promoting its own achievements.”
“Africa is the cradle of humanity,” he said, a reminder of the continent’s rich heritage and its potential to lead on the global stage.
The transformation of the International Conference Centre stands as a testament to Benin’s evolving ambitions and its commitment to hosting the world with pride and sophistication.
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