The ripple effects of a standout performance
While West African port hubs struggle with critical congestion, Benin’s maritime platform is drawing attention for its striking fluidity. With container waiting times estimated at 36 to 72 hours, Cotonou is positioning itself among the most efficient infrastructures in the sub-region. But beyond the numbers, the real story lies in the fallout: what does this performance mean for traders, competing ports, and the future of regional logistics?
A sharp contrast with congested neighbours
In a West African landscape where maritime logistics often feels like a puzzle, the Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) has shown remarkable resilience. During the “PAC Média Connect” meeting held in early October 2026, Charles Bennett Fayomi, Director of Port Operations and Security, presented a comparative assessment of commercial activity.
While several neighbouring ports report waiting times at sea ranging from six weeks to two months, Cotonou manages to keep its containers at berth with a waiting period before docking of between 36 and 72 hours. This achievement is all the more notable given that saturation levels at some coastal infrastructures reach 200% to 250%, compared to around 100% for the Beninese port.
“There are ports right now where ships remain stranded for a month at sea without operators being able to access their goods. Here, we manage to stay on course,” emphasised Charles Bennett Fayomi.
A logistical outlet under construction
Paradoxically, this relative efficiency comes even as the port is undergoing a major expansion project. By absorbing part of the surplus cargo diverted from saturated ports in the sub-region, Cotonou is establishing itself as a strategic logistical alternative for West African trade. The question now is whether this role can be sustained as volumes continue to rise.
Controlled costs for operators
Although growing volumes place constant pressure on handling chains, port authorities remain reassuring about the financial impact on economic players. The PAC claims to maintain ancillary fees and penalties related to delays among the lowest on the regional market, thereby preserving the competitiveness of the Beninese corridor.
What comes next for West Africa’s logistics landscape
The debate sparked by Cotonou’s performance is already shifting towards the future. As the port continues its expansion, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether this efficiency can be maintained and even replicated. For now, the PAC’s ability to keep waiting times short while handling diverted traffic offers a rare bright spot in a region where congestion remains the norm. The outlook will depend on how quickly infrastructure upgrades catch up with demand — and whether other ports take note.