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2 clusters · 9 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Port of Cotonou trade and infrastructure development

Overview

The Port of Cotonou is undergoing significant operational expansion and strategic shifts in its transit corridors. Due to political tensions between Benin and Niger following the July 2023 regime change in Niamey, the port has diversified its trade routes. Burkina Faso has become a major destination, accounting for 16% of transit traffic, which made up 39.2% of total port volume last year. Efforts are also being made to strengthen trade with Nigeria and expand the Chadian corridor to provide N’Djamena with alternative maritime access.

Parallel to these corridor shifts, the Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) has reported substantial growth in cargo volume, increasing from 9.6 million tonnes in 2024 to approximately 14.7 million tonnes in 2025. Officials noted that container waiting times remain between 36 and 72 hours, which they contrast with delays of six weeks to two months at neighboring regional ports. To support this growth, the port is pursuing modernization projects, including the extension of terminal 5, the construction of a new fishing port, and digitalization efforts to optimize logistics and truck flows.

Entities

Nigeria · Burkina Faso · Adamo Esposito · Charles Bennett Fayomi · Chad

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Port Autonome de Cotonou reports high efficiency and growth

    The Port Autonome de Cotonou reports container waiting times of 36-72 hours, significantly outperforming regional neighbors while managing a 52% increase in cargo volume through infrastructure expansion.

  2. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Port of Cotonou diversifies transit corridors amid regional shifts

    The Port of Cotonou is shifting its regional trade focus toward Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Chad to compensate for disrupted transit flows to Niger caused by diplomatic tensions.

Sources

afrikactus.com · burkinayawana.com · ecofinagency.com · emedia.sn · eveildesnations.info · lanouvelletribune.info · matinlibre.com · nasuba.info · ouagadirect.com