The Port Autonome de Cotonou in Benin has recorded a significant increase in goods traffic during the first half of 2026. According to data published by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in August 2026, the port's total goods traffic reached approximately 7.79 million tons as of June 2026. This represents a 16.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when the traffic was 6.68 million tons.
The growth in goods traffic at the Port Autonome de Cotonou is primarily driven by an increase in exports. During the first six months of 2026, exports reached 2.87 million tons, up from 2.16 million tons in the same period of 2025, representing a 33.3% increase. The Ministry of Economy and Finance attributes this growth to the expansion of production at the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) and the export of Nigerian crude oil.
Transshipment operations at the Port Autonome de Cotonou also experienced significant growth. As of June 2026, transshipment operations reached 516,558 tons, up from 204,928 tons in 2025, representing a 152.1% increase. The tonnage of tare also increased by 24.5%, from 219,483 tons to 273,341 tons. This growth reflects the port's increasing attractiveness for redistribution operations towards other ports in the sub-region.
The Port Autonome de Cotonou's growth is also driven by its improved infrastructure. The port can now accommodate larger vessels, allowing it to handle more goods and contributing to the increase in traffic. The port's development as a regional transit platform is further reinforced by its growing importance for transshipment operations.
In contrast to the growth in exports and transshipment, import traffic at the Port Autonome de Cotonou showed a moderate increase. As of June 2026, imports reached 4.12 million tons, up from 4.10 million tons during the same period in 2025. This slight increase reflects the ongoing role of the port as a major entry point for goods into the region.
The growth in goods traffic at the Port Autonome de Cotonou is a positive indicator for Benin's economy. The port's increasing importance as a regional transit hub and its growing attractiveness for transshipment operations are likely to contribute to the country's economic development. The port's expansion and modernization are expected to continue driving growth in the coming years.
The development of the Port Autonome de Cotonou is part of a broader effort to enhance Benin's infrastructure and promote economic growth. The construction of new infrastructure, such as the planned port sec at Kérou, is expected to further increase the port's capacity and efficiency. With its growing importance as a regional trade hub, the Port Autonome de Cotonou is likely to play an increasingly significant role in the economic development of Benin and the wider region.
Key points
- The Port Autonome de Cotonou's goods traffic increased by 16.6% during the first half of 2026.
