West Africa’s maritime trade is plagued by congestion, but Benin’s Port of Cotonou is offering an unexpected remedy. With container wait times now just 36 to 48 hours, the Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) is setting new benchmarks for regional logistics efficiency.
How Cotonou is defying West Africa’s logistics challenges
Ports across West Africa are overwhelmed, with backlogs forcing ships to wait weeks—sometimes months—before unloading. While neighboring hubs face delays of six weeks to nearly two months, Cotonou stands out for its dramatic reduction in wait times.
The difference is stark: some regional ports operate at 200% to 250% capacity, yet Cotonou maintains a balanced load near 100%. Charles Bennett Fayomi, PAC’s Director of Port Operations and Security, highlighted the disparity: “In some ports, vessels sit idle for a month before goods can be accessed. Here, we keep things moving.”
The key drivers of Cotonou’s efficiency
The port’s success is no accident. Strategic investments in digital workflows, streamlined cargo handling, and strong collaboration with regional partners have significantly cut bottlenecks. Even during an ongoing expansion, Cotonou has absorbed excess freight redirected from congested neighboring ports, establishing itself as a key logistical hub for West African trade.
Cost advantages: the PAC edge for regional traders
Despite rising volumes, the port keeps auxiliary fees and delay penalties among the lowest in the region. This cost-effective approach boosts the Benin corridor’s competitiveness, offering relief to businesses burdened by inefficiencies elsewhere in West Africa.
Is Cotonou setting new regional port standards?
The PAC’s model is prompting industry-wide discussion. As neighboring ports struggle with chronic congestion, Cotonou’s performance raises a crucial question: Can 36 to 48 hours become the new norm for West African port efficiency?
With global supply chains under strain, Cotonou’s example shows how targeted improvements can turn logistical bottlenecks into competitive strengths.