This Friday, May 22, 2026, Cotonou’s transportation and port traffic landscape underwent a monumental shift. The Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) unveiled the Zongo Truck Park, a state-of-the-art facility designed to streamline logistics and alleviate traffic congestion in the bustling port city.

A 700-spot giant to unclog the city’s arteries

The new parking hub, strategically positioned at the port’s main entrance, now serves as the primary stopover for heavy-duty trucks and commercial fleets transiting through Benin and neighboring landlocked nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. With a sprawling 13-hectare footprint and a capacity of 700 spots, the Zongo Truck Park eliminates the chaos of haphazard parking along the Marina Boulevard, offering ample maneuvering space, well-designed roundabouts, and a safer environment for drivers navigating the country’s economic lifeline.

Tech-driven efficiency for faster, smarter operations

The facility isn’t just about space—it’s a tech-powered solution. Fully integrated with the Single Window for Foreign Trade (GUCE), the digital ecosystem enables seamless logistics management:

  • Pre-booking truck slots online for hassle-free scheduling.
  • Digital payment of parking fees via secure platforms, cutting out long queues at physical counters.
  • Real-time tracking of vehicle movements through advanced surveillance and automated guidance systems.

A home away from home for long-haul drivers

The project, dubbed ‘Rangazongo’, goes beyond logistics to address the human factor. Recognizing the grueling demands of cross-border trucking, the port authority has transformed the park into a ‘rest village’ for drivers. Clean, modern amenities include:

  • Sanitation blocks and private shower facilities.
  • Rest zones with comfortable seating and relaxation areas.
  • On-site dining options to fuel weary travelers.

Enhanced security measures—24/7 surveillance, controlled access points, and high-performance lighting—ensure the safety of both drivers and their cargo.

Cotonou’s port solidifies its West African logistics dominance

Funded by a 25 billion FCFA investment as part of the Port Autonome de Cotonou’s modernization drive, the Zongo Truck Park underscores Benin’s ambition to cement its role as the region’s premier logistics hub. By centralizing truck traffic into a single, high-efficiency entry point, the park slashes delays, boosts operational speed, and strengthens the port’s competitive edge in West Africa’s freight landscape.

The era of endless waits on Cotonou’s congested streets is over. For transporters, the Zongo Truck Park delivers a promise of speed, comfort, and reliability—ushering in a new standard for port logistics in the subregion.