Belgian contribution turns Cotonou (Benin) into a high-performance port

The Belgian development agency Enabel and the port of Antwerp-Bruges joined forces to improve the performance of the port of Cotonou (Benin). The experience gained is now being used, among other things, to better connect the port of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) to its extensive hinterland.

Ports are vital to the economy, much like airports, as they connect the country to the international economic system. They facilitate the massive import and export of goods, generating significant revenue. Just think of the customs tariffs.

Companies gain easier access to the market, allowing them to better promote their products. They can also more easily import raw materials or components to manufacture their products. A more efficient logistics or supply chain – encompassing ports, customs, transport, and so on – also enables cheaper food imports, for example.
 

Public tender

In 2018, the West African country of Benin, a partner country of the Belgian Development Cooperation, stated that its port in Cotonou was underperforming. The port's potential was largely untapped, especially since it could also serve landlocked neighbouring countries like Niger.

The government then issued a public tender, which was awarded to the port of Antwerp, now merged into Antwerp-Bruges. The goal was to improve the performance of the port of Cotonou in collaboration with Beninese partners over three periods of three years.
 

Doubling capacity

From June 2019, our Federal Public Service linked this initiative to a governmental Belgian-Beninese cooperation program, carried out by the Belgian development agency Enabel. That was definitely a key to success, as it allowed both Belgian entities to combine their complementary strengths.

On the one hand, the port of Antwerp has applied its expertise to improve, among other things, the long-term strategy and management of the port of Cotonou. This resulted in a development plan that will double the capacity for receiving and managing goods within five years.

Enabel, on its part, focused on supporting reforms in the links of the logistics chain, particularly by assisting (semi-)governmental institutions involved in maritime surveillance and goods transport. Through studies, training, and advisory services, the agency aimed to optimize the port's competitiveness and foster entrepreneurship.

Signal tower

One of the training programs enabled more effective deployment of personnel. As a result, docking ships could load and unload more quickly, allowing them to leave the port faster, much to the satisfaction of captains and shipowners. Additionally, a signal tower was installed to provide ships with all kinds of information, such as expected bad weather or water depth.

Trucks transporting goods inland were also given attention. For example, a digital platform allowed road transport to be more transparent and efficient. Digitalization also enabled transparent invoicing and easy tracking of figures for proper follow-up.

Enabel also managed to limit the number of disputes with customers and partners, thanks to a significantly improved reputation and professionalism. Additionally, our agency made a difference in terms of decent work and environmental impact, by investing in health and safety at work, among other things, through a management system, protective gear for dockworkers, and even swimming lessons!

Additionally, Enabel helped update a legal framework that allows the government to better monitor its environmental obligations. It can now better manage solid waste, hazardous waste and used oils, limit noise, prevent the introduction of harmful exotic species - rodents, insects, zooplankton, and the like.
 

Up 26 places

Various indicators suggest that the efforts of Enabel and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges have paid off. For instance, the flow of goods through the port of Cotonou increased by 27.3% between 2017 and 2022. Benin's tax revenues from this flow of goods rose by over 55% between 2018 and 2022. In the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, the Beninese port climbed 26 places, from 93rd in 2018 to 67th in 2023.

The increased capacity of the port of Cotonou also ensured that privatization was avoided and that the state retained control. With a port sector accounting for about 30% of the GDP, this guarantees substantial revenues, which can be invested in the country's national development plan.
 

Global Gateway

The story does not end there. Belgium is extending its support for a second phase, with assistance from the EU and the Netherlands. Together, we aim to realize the Team Europe initiative for a sustainable port in Cotonou. The goal is to improve the transport infrastructure and logistics chain between Cotonou and Malanville (Northern Benin). One of the ways to achieve this is by digitizing customs and securing the corridor.

In doing so, we align with Global Gateway: an EU strategy aimed at supporting its partner countries, among other things through infrastructure projects. In this way, the EU seeks to establish better connections between Africa and Europe.

Moreover, the success story is inspiring a project in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Enabel and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges – in collaboration with the EU – will use their experience from Cotonou to strengthen the port there. The focus is on connecting Dar es Salaam with Central African countries through safe, efficient, and greener transport systems as a better flow of goods and people there is of paramount importance for trade and regional stability.