Why Cotonou stands out in a region plagued by port congestion
Ports across West Africa are struggling with heavy congestion, but Benin’s Cotonou Autonomous Port (PAC) is proving to be an exception. Container waiting times there are estimated at only 36 to 72 hours, placing Cotonou among the most efficient port infrastructures in the sub-region. The key question, however, is whether this level of performance can be maintained as pressure continues to build.
A sharp contrast with nearby ports
While several neighboring ports report waiting times at sea stretching from six weeks to two months, Cotonou manages to keep its containers at berth with a pre-docking wait of 36 to 72 hours. That gap is even more striking when you look at saturation levels: some coastal facilities are running at 200% to 250% capacity, compared with around 100% for Benin’s port.
“There are ports right now where ships sit idle for a month at sea without operators being able to touch their goods. Here, we manage to stay on course,” said Charles Bennett Fayomi, Director of Port Operations and Security, during the PAC Média Connect meeting in early October 2026, where he laid out a comparative review of commercial activity.
A strategic outlet for West African trade
Paradoxically, this relative efficiency comes while the port is in the middle of an expansion project. By absorbing part of the surplus cargo diverted from congested ports in the sub-region, Cotonou is positioning itself as a strategic logistical alternative for West African commerce.
Controlled costs for operators
Although rising volumes put constant pressure on handling chains, port authorities are reassuring economic players about the financial impact. The PAC says it keeps ancillary fees and delay-related penalties among the lowest on the regional market, preserving the competitiveness of the Beninese corridor.
