Benin: Strong increase in traffic at the autonomous port of Cotonou

The Autonomous Port of Cotonou recorded a remarkable increase of 19.9% ​​in goods traffic in the 3rd quarter of 2024 , reaching 2.51 million tonnes of freight compared to 2.09 million tonnes in the previous quarter. This performance reflects a gradual recovery after the difficulties linked to the closure of the Benin-Niger border, which had caused a 15% drop in turnover , according to Bart Van Eeno, Director General of the port.

Positive dynamics despite some declines

Increase in commercial ships

The number of ships received increased by 10.6% compared to the previous quarter, with 198 ships compared to 179 in the 2nd quarter . Over one year, this growth stands at 7.6% (184 ships in the 3rd quarter of 2023).

Transshipment down

Despite this good overall dynamic, the transhipment segment is showing a notable decline. It fell by 72.3% year-on-year, with 53,222.9 tonnes compared to 192,184.6 tonnes over the same period the previous year.

Strong growth in exports

The overall performance of the port is driven by Beninese exports , which stood at 463,529.8 tonnes . Although slightly lower than the previous quarter (472,439 t), they recorded an annual increase of 36.7% . A large part of these exports comes from the Glo-Djigbé industrial zone , a key hub for the Beninese economy.

Solid imports

Imports , which amounted to 1.86 million tonnes , also largely contributed to this performance, confirming the strategic importance of the port of Cotonou in regional trade.

A key player in regional port competition

These results favorably position the autonomous port of Cotonou compared to its regional competitors, notably the platforms of Abidjan and Dakar . This dynamic is the result of an ambitious plan launched by the Beninese authorities to strengthen the attractiveness of the port. The actions include:

• The development of modern infrastructure ,
• The concession of handling equipment ,
• Modernization of logistics services to meet the needs of economic operators.

Conclusion

With a continuous increase in its goods traffic and an increase in the number of ships received, the autonomous port of Cotonou confirms its strategic position in the West African region. Although the transhipment segment remains behind, the positive dynamics of exports and imports, supported by modernized infrastructure, demonstrates the growing potential of the port. This progression should allow Benin to further strengthen itself in the regional port landscape.