Destination: Cotonou, Benin

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE 2018 JCI AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST CONFERENCE

DESTINATION: COTONOU, BENIN 03 ACCOMMODATION + VENUE

04 CONFERENCE INFORMATION

06 ABOUT COTONOU + EXPLORE COTONOU + TOURISM

12 CONFERENCE KEY EVENTS + NATIONAL NIGHTS

MESSAGE OF GREETINGS Dear friends, We find ourselves in a world full of challenges, but at the same time, we find ourselves in a world full of opportunities — especially in Africa and the Middle East. There is a huge opportunity in today’s world for our young active citizens to find innovative ways ensuring we are the organization committed to uniting to affect sustainable and positive change.

The 2018 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference roars into life from 9–12 May in the lovely city of Cotonou, Benin.

This event presents a unique opportunity to unite our young active citizens in one place to offer exceptional content, high-level speakers, trainings, thematic workshops, JCI Programs and night activities. This is an event not to be missed as we host delegates from over 30 countries across Africa and the Middle East as well as the rest of the world.

I invite you to explore the vibrant, bustling coastal city of Cotonou that is very much the economic engine of Benin. You will be welcomed with arms wide open, warm weather, Beninoise-rich culture and cuisine.

The Conference Organizing Committee, JCI World Headquarters and I will be happy to help you in any way during this conference. Thank you and I look forward to continue creating positive change with you because Change Begins with Me. Welcome to Cotonou; Bienvenue a Cotonou!

Sincerely,

Itai Manyere 2018 JCI Executive Vice President

Destination: Cotonou, Benin

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Accommodation Headquarters Hotel

Benin Marina Hotel 01 BP 1901 Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou, Benin Tel: +229-21-30-01-00, +229-21-30-12-56 • Fax: +229-21-30-15-55 Website: www.benin-marina-hotel.com • Email: info@benin-marina-hotel.com

Senate Hotel

Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate Cotonou N° 90 rue 12.017 - Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou, Benin Tel: +229-21-30-02-03 • Fax: +229-21-30-02-03 Website: www.goldentuliplediplomatecotonou.com Email: info@goldentulipdiplomatecotonou.com Find more accommodation options by visiting www.camocotonou2018.com or contact hebergement@camocotonou2018.com.

Venue All of the 2018 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference activities take place across three different venues in Cotonou. As they are all located on the same boulevard, all are close in proximity and are either a 10-minute walk or 3–5 minute drive from one another. These venues include the Benin Marina Hotel, the Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate and Dream Beach; all of these venues are well known for being the most prestigious resorts and leisure centers in not only Cotonou, but in all of Benin.

Destination: Cotonou, Benin

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CONFERENCE

INFORMATION Registration Delegates are strongly encouraged to register online before arriving to Cotonou. Upon arrival registered delegates should pick up their name badges at the Headquarters Hotel — the Benin Marina Hotel.

Registration will be open: • Tuesday 8 May: 14:00 – 18:00 • Wednesday 9 May: 08:00 – 18:00

Visiting from Outside Africa For nationals from countries outside of Africa, an entry visa is required along with a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity in order to travel to Benin. Visas are not available at the airport upon entry. Entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit is not properly stated.

For information on visas, please contact the Benin Embassy located nearest you or check the official website to see whether you require

• Thursday 10 May: 08:00 – 17:00

a visa for entry into the country. Furthermore, the Conference

• Friday 11 May: 08:00 – 18:00

Organizing Committee is making the necessary provisions to

Only delegates who register will be allowed to participate in conference events. Admission will be restricted to delegates wearing conference badges and holding entry tickets, when necessary.

Travel Visa Visiting from Africa For short stays, 30 African countries are exempt from needing visas to travel into Benin. In addition, the 14 countries of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) are also included in this exemption. A short stay is regarded as a stay not exceeding 90 days. However, a free courtesy visa is required at the entrance to the territory.

facilitate and ensure that registered delegates can obtain their visas; however, the final decision to grant or refuse a visa remains a prerogative of the consulate or local authorities.

Health Some vaccines are recommended and required before traveling to Benin: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, yellow fever, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, malaria and annual flu shot. However, you should always make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing and if you are traveling from another country beforehand.

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Overall, Benin enjoys a healthy community with no epidemics with well-equipped healthcare centers available throughout the city.

Bottled water is available in Cotonou and should be used for drinking.

Traveling to Cotonou

By Plane

Conference Attire National dress, dark business suits or tuxedos,

cocktail or evening dresses are appropriate for: • Opening Ceremony • JCI Awards Ceremony and Gala

Business suits or national dress are appropriate for:

Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport also known as Cardinal Bernardin

• National Presidents Meeting

Gantin Intl (COO/DBBB) is located just west of the city center, and

• Conference Assemblies

is the primary airport serving the city and country, featuring both

• Other business sessions

domestic and international terminals.

To learn more about flights to and from Cotonou, visit: www.aeroport-cotonou.com.

Transportation to Hotel

By Taxi

Business casual dress is appropriate for: • JCI Official Courses and seminars • Workshops and forums

Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for:

Taxis (car or bike) are available from the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport

• National parties

(COO/DBBB), and can be recognized by their yellow and green

• Tourism

color. They do not have a fare meter; therefore a taxi fare must be negotiated before your ride. It is recommended to ensure the driver has change if you do not have any. The price can be as low as 500 FCFA (or 1 Euro) depending on the time and destination.

By Shuttle Shuttle buses commonly run between the COO/DBBB and many hotels, the city center and tourist areas. If you are staying at a hotel, ask your hotel if there is a shuttle you can book.

By Rental Car Several car rental companies offer their services at the COO/DBBB for pick up and drop off as long as the rental has been booked in advance.

By Car Service Several transport companies offer VIP support services at the airport. These comfortable cars and minibuses will provide you with comfort after your journey. Learn more here: www.aeroport-cotonou. com/int/booking/airport_business_registration.php?add=3&lg=fr

Destination: Cotonou, Benin

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ABOUT

COTONOU, BENIN

Located in the western region of Benin, Cotonou is the nation’s largest city and economic capital, as it is home to two-thirds of the country’s industries, it is home to many government and diplomatic bodies. Cotonou is known throughout West Africa for its 20-hectare international market (Dantokpa) and its motorcycle taxis (zemidjans).

In the Fon language, the word Cotonou means “the mouth of the river of death.” At the beginning of the 19 century, Cotonou was th

Southern Benin experiences a tropical climate with two annual rainy seasons—April to mid-July and from mid-September through the end of October—alternating with two dry seasons. However, May also falls in the warmest period where the average temperature in Cotonou ranges from 25 – 33ºC.

known as a small fishing village ruled by the Kingdom of Dahomey.

Time Zone

During this time (1858–1889), the first Europeans settled. The

WAT (UTC +1 hour)

territory was ceded to France after King Glèle signed a treaty in 1868.

Telephone

Since then, the port has grown and modernized allowing the city to

The country code for Benin is +229. When calling abroad from

become a vibrant and bustling place where visitors enjoy a number of urban sights. From the gorgeous Atlantic beaches lined with palm trees to the national parks teeming with exotic animals such as lions,

Benin, you must use the respective code of the country that you are calling.

cheetahs and elephants as well as rare species of birds, the national

Internet

beauty of Cotonou also draws many visitors.

There are many ways to communicate and remain connected while

Language

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Weather

in Benin: • Use the cellular roaming service. However, first ensure

French is the official language in Benin. However, there are more

compatibility and roaming costs between your local

than 40 national languages and dialects that are spoken throughout

network and your telephone company beforehand to

the country.

avoid high costs.

• Purchase a local prepaid SIM card from a mobile phone store, convenient store or supermarket that can be found throughout Cotonou. With this, you will receive a local number as well as some prepaid minutes. The SIM card can be used with your own mobile phone or tablet. • Use the WiFi at your hotel. This service is available at most hotels. In addition, all conference sites will have a WiFi connection that is accessible to all delegates.

Currency The official currency in Benin is the West African CFA Franc.

Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, some hotels and exchange offices throughout the city.

Attire in Cotonou Urban residents in Benin typically wear western and traditional style clothes. However, a large proportion of the Beninese population prefers to dress in traditional clothing, especially on special occasions. In recent years, a fusion between traditional and modern dressing have emerged. For travel and city visits, there is no required dress code except while visiting places of worship (Muslim, Christian or Animist).

Cultural Flair Benin perpetuates a rich secular cultural tradition. In Benin, people attach importance to spirituality and religious practice; whether traditional or modern, this is an important part of everyday life.

Credit Cards and ATMs

Benin is considered to be the cradle of the Vodun, and more than

Benin is a cash-based society and credit cards are not widely

also known as Animism. These practices have been ingrained in

accepted, but major banks in Cotonou will give cash advances against Visa credit cards and most major foreign currencies can be exchanged throughout the city. The best banks for exchanging money are Financial Bank, Bank of Africa, BTCI and Ecobank, which also have ATMs with West African CFA Francs.

As with any other destination, avoid withdrawing and carrying large sums of cash. Exercise the same vigilance in terms of security consciousness and discretion as you would elsewhere when using an ATM.

80% of the Beninese population practice this traditional religion, Beninese traditions for centuries, and for many visitors, they are one of the most interesting aspects of the culture to explore. The animist cult today remains very alive in the country. Songs, drumbeats, dances, prayers and offerings accompany the ritual ceremonies.

The great diversity of religious and ritual dances also contributes to Benin cultural richness; these traditional choreographies are performed during very special festivities such as the Gani, which brings together the community Baatombu, but also during numerous improvised festivals. Do not miss these festivities if the opportunity arises.

Tipping and Gratuity

The country has two geographical areas. The north borders with

Tips are accepted but are not mandatory. However, individuals

Niger and Burkina Faso and is home to people of the savannah. The

in the service industry, such as waiters in restaurants and bars,

south and the center of the country are marked by the history of the

employees of hotels and taxi drivers, do appreciate and accept a tip

Gulf of Guinea people. Until the fifteenth century, many savannah

demonstrating exceptional service.

people settled in the north, while littoral populations settled in the south and the center.

Electricity In Cotonou, the standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Cotonou uses type E plugs; this socket also works with plug C and with plug F if it has an additional pinhole.

Plug Type C

Throughout Benin, greetings and thanks are expected. Do not pay with your left hand, as this hand is used for other purposes. Do not give a price and do not negotiate. Do not give things such as money or gifts to individuals who ask.

Plug Type E

For more information on electricity visit: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm

Destination: Cotonou, Benin

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EXPLORE

COTONOU, BENIN

Tourism Resources

Foundation Zinsou

With a wide range of activities and sights to see, there is something

Named after the founding family, this fantastic exhibition space

special for everyone in Cotonou. To decide how to schedule your

opened in 2005 to promote contemporary African art among

perfect post-conference plans, visit the following sites for

Beninese people through photography, paintings, sculpture, artist

more information:

talks and so much more. Since then, the foundation’s activities

• www.benin-tourisme.com • www.lonelyplanet.com/benin/cotonou • www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297314-Cotonou_Littoral_ Department-Vacations.html

have extended beyond the realm of art to include education and social development as well as the fight against poverty; the gallery regularly provides shuttles from schools in disadvantaged areas to the center to promote art appreciation and involvement amongst the country’s youth. To enhance your visit, make sure to stop by the cafe and boutique.

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Notre Dame Cathedral (Cotonou Cathedral) Known for its vibrant red and white striped tile exterior, this Roman Catholic cathedral is located near the Ancien Pont Bridge in Cotonou and was built in 1883. The beautiful striped architecture continues into the interior and is complimented with sandstone and cream-colored arches, which hosts a quiet and cool escape from the bustle and heat of the city. Today, it is not just a place of worship but also home to a small bookshop featuring regional writers as well

FidjirossĂŠ Beach This gorgeous beach offers wide stretches of golden sand gently sloping into the ocean. Abundant palm trees in the back of the beach provide necessary shade, while a number of beach huts and stands offer food and drinks to enjoy. Swim, relax or take part in frequent beach activities and events like water sports or live music performances. This popular, family-friendly recreational area draws locals on weekends due to its large variety of entertainment for both children and adults.

as a handful of academic texts. Other places of worship include St. Michel Church or the great Mosque of Zongo and Akpakpa.

Destination: Cotonou, Benin

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Marche Dantokpa

Bab’s Dock

Explore one of largest and busiest open-air markets in West Africa at

Following the busy conference, retreat to this hidden gem 11

Marche Dantokpa, which plays a vital role in the nation’s economy.

kilometers outside of Cotonou for extreme tranquility and relaxation.

Often described as a city within a city, this commercial center is

Before your drive alongside a beautiful beach and lush landscape,

packed with wooden stalls, huts, and umbrellas across an area of

make sure to call ahead to schedule your visit. A designated boat

20 hectares. Walk the narrow, crowded streets and browse a wide

will pick you up and transport you through a thick mangrove forest

array of goods, ranging from electronics, homemade crafts, colorful

and lagoon to your final destination—a calm lake. At the lake, swim,

textiles and voodoo talismans, to exotic fruits, live animals and

canoe, sail or simply relax in a hammock along the water’s edge.

spices. The heat can get exhausting, so make sure to always carry

A thatched terrace shelters a European-style restaurant offering

water with you. Other markets include the Missèbo and Ganhi as

fresh fish entrees and beautifully constructed décor made from

well as the Port de Pêche (fishing port).

local wood.

Artisanal Center Discover and purchase a variety of traditional and cultural arts and crafts unique to Benin at the Artisanal Center, where there are numerous stands and shops to visit. The center is made up of several traditionally styled houses with thatched roofs and pastel walls and offers great souvenir items for you to take home such as handmade puppets, voodoo dolls, carved wooden masks, batiks and jewelry—there is something for everyone! This charming attraction also lets you observe artisans, painters, cobblers and seamstresses in their workshops, where you can spend some time to appreciate their craftsmanship and listen to their stories.

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Destination: Cotonou, Benin

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CONFERENCE

KEY EVENTS Opening Ceremony At the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference, National Presidents and heads of delegations will greet delegates, represent their countries and showcase their traditional costumes. Come cheer for your National Organization, enjoy the first day of the celebrations with entertainment and connect with the JCI community.

Wednesday 9 May 19:00 – 21:00 Room: Tente climatisée Venue: Dream Beach

Impact Forums and Sessions Discover how young people around Africa and the Middle East and JCI partners are building a better future with their actions!

First Timers Orientation Wednesday 9 May 14:00 – 16:00 Room: Madiba I Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

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JCI Morning Show Thursday 10 May 08:30 – 10:00 Friday 11 May 08:30 – 10:00 Room: Madiba I, II, III Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

Promoting the Global Goals Through Active Citizenship: Panel Discussion Thursday 10 May 10:00 – 12:00 Room: Madiba I, II, III Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

Strategic Planning Workshop Thursday 10 May 10:00 – 12:00 Room: Room 1 Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

World Cleanup Day Workshop Friday 11 May 10:00 – 12:00 Room: Room 1 Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

Impact Talks: The Africa and the Middle East We Want

Saturday 12 May 10:00 – 12:00 Room: Madiba I Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

National Presidents Meeting and Conference Assemblies See the major decisions your national representatives will make this

JCI Programs JCI members are challenged to show their impact at the international level. Don’t miss the most exciting competitions and seize the opportunity to share best practices during the conference!

JCI World Public Speaking Championship Saturday 12 May 10:00 – 13:00 Room: Madiba III Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

year to create impact across Africa and the Middle East!

JCI World Debating Championship (English)

National Presidents Meeting

10:00 – 12:00

Saturday 12 May

Wednesday 9 May

Room: Room 3

09:00 – 12:00

Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

Room: Madiba I & II Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

JCI World Debating Championship (French)

Conference Assembly

10:00 – 12:00

Saturday 12 May

Thursday 10 May 14:00 – 17:00

Room: Madiba II

Friday 11 May 14:00 – 17:30

Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

Room: Madiba I, II, III Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

JCI Twinning Ceremony Saturday 12 May 10:00 – 12:00 Room: Madiba I Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel Le Diplomate

JCI Awards Ceremony Saturday 12 May 18:30 – 23:00 Venue: Benin Marina

I Am Africa This year, the I Am Africa campaign was launched to inspire, educate and engage young Africans to be the solution to Africa’s challenges and will motivate the next generation of Africans to accept and assume responsibility for the future of their unique countries.

At this year’s 2018 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference, I Am Africa will be showcased and discussed in a variety of the event’s programming. Make sure to attend the two highly anticipated JCI Morning Shows as well as the I Am Africa forum to learn more about how you can activate the campaign in your community. Don’t miss the Africa and the Middle East Patriotic Night Concert featuring I Am Africa supporter, musician, advocate for peace and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal. Also, don’t leave this year’s event empty handed—visit the JCI booth to purchase limited addition I Am Africa merchandise to showcase your commitment to the campaign.

Destination: Cotonou, Benin

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Night Activities JCI members work hard all day to improve themselves and the world around them, but there’s no reason we can’t party too. Bring your name badge to get inside, where you’ll find friends from all over Africa and the Middle East enjoying the native food and drink. Check your schedule for times and venues, or just wait until nightfall and follow the crowds.

Welcome Party

Benin Night

Wednesday 9 May

Friday 11 May

21:00 – TBD

20:00 – 23:00

Venue: Dream Beach

Venue: Dream Beach

I Am Africa and the Middle East

Awards Ceremony and Gala

Patriotic Night and Concert

Saturday 12 May

Thursday 10 May

18:30 – 23:00

19:00 – 23:00

Venue: Benin Marina

Venue: Benin Marina

Conference Organizing Committee For any questions regarding the 2018 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference, visit www.camocotonou2018.com for more info.

Conference Organizing Committee Director

Vianel Miguel Houeto

Email: directeurcamo@camocotonou2018.com

Emergency Contact In the case of an emergency please dial: Ambulance: 118 Fire Station: 112 Police: 117