The Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) in Benin has reported a significant increase in traffic, with 14.7 million tons handled in 2025, up from 9.6 million tons in 2024. This represents a 52% growth in just one year. The surge is largely attributed to the port's growing role as a transit hub for neighboring countries, particularly Burkina Faso. The port's commercial director, Kevin Potier, announced this growth during the PAC Media Connect 2026 event.
Burkina Faso has emerged as the top market for transit through the Port of Cotonou, with nearly one million tons of goods, mostly hydrocarbons, transiting through the port to reach the landlocked country. This development comes after strained relations between Cotonou and Niamey led to a decline in traffic. The port is now seeking to capitalize on its proximity to Nigeria, another major market, and is also targeting Chad as a potential growth area.
The Port of Cotonou is diversifying its trade relationships, with Nigeria emerging as the second-largest market for transit. The port is well-positioned to serve Nigeria's needs, given its proximity and ability to handle large volumes of cargo. The port is also exploring opportunities to serve Chad, with a delegation from the Chadian Consignment Council visiting Cotonou in July 2025.
Despite the decline in traffic with Niger, the Port of Cotonou is still handling significant volumes of oil exports from the country. The port's Sèmè-Podji terminal, located 20 km from Cotonou, handled 4.3 million tons of crude oil in 2025. This diversification of trade relationships has contributed to the port's strong growth, with 9 million tons of imports and 5.7 million tons of exports handled in 2025.
The Port of Cotonou's growth is expected to continue in 2026, with 7.7 million tons of cargo handled in the first semester, up from 2.16 million tons in the same period last year. The port's container traffic has also seen significant growth, with over 500,000 EVP (equivalent units) handled in 2025. The port aims to reach 25 million tons of cargo and over 1 million EVP by the end of the decade.
The Port Autonome de Cotonou is investing heavily in its infrastructure, with 12 major projects worth around 500 billion FCFA (859 million USD) launched in 2021. The port's management is optimistic about its growth prospects, citing a 10-15% annual growth rate. If achieved, this would put the port's annual throughput at 16-16.5 million tons by the end of 2026.
The growth of the Port of Cotonou has significant implications for the regional economy, providing a vital lifeline for landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso and Chad. The port's commercial director, Kevin Potier, emphasized the importance of the port's role in facilitating trade and economic growth in the region.
Key points
- The Port of Cotonou has seen a 52% increase in traffic, driven by hydrocarbon shipments to Burkina Faso.
- Burkina Faso has emerged as the top market for transit through the Port of Cotonou.
- The port is investing heavily in its infrastructure, with 12 major projects worth around 500 billion FCFA (859 million USD).
