The Autonomous Port of Cotonou, Benin’s main maritime platform, is advancing its transformation with a modernization plan financed with €80 million. This strategic project aims to expand its capacity, optimize its infrastructure, and consolidate its role as a key commercial hub in the Gulf of Guinea.
As part of its 2021-2026 Master Plan, the port will upgrade its facilities with support from the African Development Bank and other financial partners. The investment will enable the construction of a new 25-hectare terminal on reclaimed land, as well as a 14-hectare smart parking area to improve truck circulation and reduce waiting times.
The improvements include expanding bulk storage areas, dredging the dock, and modernizing the access channel. A digitized truck management system will also be implemented, connecting to the Single Foreign Trade Platform (GUCE) to optimize cargo flow and enhance the port’s operational efficiency.
Beyond strengthening logistical infrastructure, the project will boost job creation and encourage the participation of local businesses. By enhancing its capabilities, Cotonou reinforces its role as a strategic port for landlocked countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, ensuring more efficient and competitive trade in the region.
With this modernization, the Port of Cotonou takes a decisive step toward establishing itself as a pillar of trade in West Africa. Its development will not only impact Benin’s economy but also strengthen regional integration and its position in the global trade landscape.
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