As port hubs across West Africa grapple with severe congestion, Benin’s port platform is standing out from the crowd. With container waiting times estimated between 36 and 72 hours, Cotonou ranks among the smoothest infrastructures in the sub-region.
In a West Africa where maritime logistics can often be a headache, the Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) is showing remarkable resilience. At the “PAC Média Connect” event held in early October 2026, Charles Bennett Fayomi, Director of Port Operations and Security, provided a comparative overview of commercial activity.
A striking contrast with the sub-region
While several neighboring ports report waiting times at sea ranging from six weeks to two months, Cotonou manages to keep its containers at berth with a pre-docking wait of between 36 and 72 hours.
This performance is all the more notable given that the overall saturation level of some coastal infrastructures reaches 200% to 250%, compared to around 100% for the Beninese port.
“There are ports right now where ships remain stranded at sea for a month without operators being able to touch their goods. Here, we manage to stay on course,” emphasized Charles Bennett Fayomi.
A logistical safety valve role
Paradoxically, this relative efficiency comes even as the port is in the midst of an expansion project. By absorbing part of the surplus cargo diverted from the sub-region’s saturated ports, Cotonou is establishing itself as a strategic logistical alternative for West African trade.
Controlled costs for operators
Although rising volumes create constant pressure on handling chains, port authorities are reassuring about the financial impact on economic stakeholders. The PAC claims to maintain ancillary fees and penalties related to delays among the lowest in the regional market, thereby preserving the competitiveness of the Beninese corridor.
