Strategically situated on the Gulf of Guinea, Benin has established itself as a leading logistics and trade hub in West Africa, driven by the dynamism of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou. This vital infrastructure generates nearly 60 per cent of the national GDP and accounts for 45 per cent of the state’s tax revenue. As the main gateway for the countries of the hinterland, Benin plays a driving role in facilitating regional trade, helping to supply Niger, Burkina Faso and other landlocked nations of the Sahel.
Thanks to its location on the Gulf of Guinea, the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, Benin is a major logistics hub in West Africa. As a key gateway to the hinterland, it facilitates transit to Niger and Burkina Faso. As a vital link in supply chains, the port complex handles vast volumes of foodstuffs, energy products and manufactured goods. Beyond its role in supporting landlocked states by reducing their transit costs, the port is the lifeblood of Benin’s economy, generating around 60% of GDP and 45% of the country’s tax revenue.
Quite simply, we want to be an efficient port. You will have noticed that, since 2016, the corridor – whether it be the East-West corridor running from the border with Nigeria, Sémé Kraqué, to Ilakondi – has been undergoing renovation. The South-North corridor, which runs up towards Niger, is also under construction. Today, there is a network in place. Between 2016 and now, we have built over 1,500 km of tarmac roads. We have around 1,800 km of tarmac roads currently under construction. And that’s not even counting the projects that haven’t started yet. The port is a hub, it is a terminal, but it is connected to a network that facilitates road transport. So, our ambition is to have an efficient port.
José Didier Tonato, Advisor to the President responsible for infrastructure
The second quarter of 2025 marks a turning point for the port of Cotonou. According to statistics published by the Directorate-General for the Economy (DGE), 210 commercial vessels called at the port, representing a 17.3% on-year increase, whilst the total volume of cargo reached 3.15 million tonnes, up 50.5%. Transhipment volumes surged by more than 300% the quarter, confirming the port’s renewed appeal, underpinned by infrastructure modernisation and the reopening of regional corridors.
There are many threats: terrorist acts, maritime piracy, smuggling, illicit trafficking, dangerous goods and, now, cybercrime. Our ambition is clear: to make the Port of Cotonou a benchmark for port security in West Africa.
Boris Sehlouan, Head of the Information Systems Department, Cotonou Autonomous Port
As part of the 2021–2026 Master Plan, more than 302 billion CFA francs are being invested to increase the port’s capacity to 20 million tonnes and accommodate large vessels. The North Quay, currently undergoing refurbishment, will be able to accommodate vessels 360 metres long with a draught of 16 metres. Regarded as the lifeblood of the national economy, the Port of Cotonou accounts for 90% of Benin’s trade. Its transformation into a modern and sustainable logistics hub remains a cornerstone of the country’s economic competitiveness.
Firstly, there was a need to increase the port’s overall berthing capacity, which requires a larger turning circle. To achieve this, we needed to demolish the existing structure known as the East Cross-dock so that the turning circle could be enlarged from 471 to 550 metres in diameter. This would enable the port to accommodate vessels currently limited to 270–280 metres in length, up to vessels measuring 350–360 metres in length. That is what we have done at the Port of Cotonou.
Grégoire André, Director of Infrastructure at the Autonomous Port of Cotonou
With 60 years of expertise behind it, the Autonomous Port of Cotonou is set to complete its modernisation by 2027, establishing itself as West Africa’s leading logistics hub. The optimisation of trade routes to the Sahel achieved by removing checks and enhancing security is streamlining regional trade thanks to the reforms introduced since 2016.
