BlueInvest Africa 2024
Port of Cotonou success story
An Africa-Europe partnership to boost competitiveness through sustainability
Two years ago, the Port of Cotonou embarked on an extensive programme of expansion and modernisation. This initiative, backed by the European Union and forged in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp, aims to uphold Cotonou's pivotal status on international shipping routes whilst steadfastly prioritising sustainable development.
Nestled on the Gulf of Guinea, the Autonomous Port of Cotonou (PAC) serves as the economic heartbeat of Benin. Moreover, it functions as a crucial regional hub, catering to neighbouring landlocked nations like Niger, Mali, Chad and Burkina Faso. Additionally, it supplements Nigeria's port network, which currently grapples with congestion issues.
It is ranked fortieth in the 2022 list of the best-performing container ports in Africa drawn up by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. Given the increase in international maritime traffic, the Beninese government is committed to improving this position.
Cooperation with the port of Antwerp
In response to this challenge, a cooperation agreement was inked in 2018 with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, the consultancy and investment arm of the Port of Antwerp. The objective of this partnership is to temporarily engage Europe's second-largest port in overseeing the management of PAC during its transformation.
"The transfer of expertise constitutes a cornerstone of this collaboration," elucidates Didier Houngbedji, Head of the PAC's Commercial Department. "Our ultimate goal is for local professionals to assume full managerial responsibility upon the conclusion of the 9-year contract."
It is within this framework that PAC has embarked upon an ambitious expansion and modernisation programme valued at over 450 billion CFA francs (€690 million). The primary aim is to augment its capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and bolster competitiveness. Locally, this endeavour is whimsically dubbed "the 12 major works," poised to infuse vitality into the port's operations by the close of 2021.
European support
Among the myriad funding sources, this initiative benefits from collective contributions from the European Union (EU) and cooperative agencies in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, totalling an indicative €34.5 million spanning 2021 to 2027.
Situated at the nexus of the Abidjan-Lagos and Cotonou-Niamey corridors, pivotal arteries in Africa, the PAC plays a pivotal role in the logistical network championed and backed by the EU. Its revitalisation is integral to fortifying connectivity among African nations and with Europe. Hence, the EU is poised to play a significant role, particularly in advancing its objectives of multimodal logistics integration, nurturing the blue economy, and fostering sustainable development.
The 12 major works
Half of the programme's budget is allocated to the comprehensive transformation of the port, entailing the establishment of a new bulk terminal, refurbishment of quays, expansion of the port basin, and deepening of draughts.
"At the conclusion of these enhancements, the port will accommodate cargo ranging from 13 to 25 million tonnes, catering to even the largest vessels," explains Didier Houngbedji. "To accommodate these expanded dimensions, we are establishing a new handling company dedicated to bulk and
conventional cargo, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and skilled human resource to significantly bolster handling efficiency and productivity, thereby reducing ship waiting times in port."
However, in its quest to become the premier regional logistics hub, the PAC has initiated several ancillary ventures, including the development of new storage areas, warehouses, land accesses, car parks, a fishing port, and a maritime affairs centre, alongside increased digitisation.
"To facilitate value addition for goods transiting through the port, we have a project to develop a logistics zone covering an area of over 50 hectares," continues Didier Houngbedji. "This facility will facilitate partial processing of import cargoes before their re-exportation, via sea or land, to markets across West and Central Africa, encompassing activities such as repackaging, testing, assembly, or labelling."
Sustainable development
This expansion programme aligns with a sustainable development ethos. PAC already boasts several certifications: ISO 14001 and Ecoports for environmental management, ISO 45001 for workplace health and safety, and ISO 9001 for quality.
"You know, it's preferable not to merely possess these certifications but to uphold and enhance them," explains Ali Mamam Halalou, PAC's environment and safety inspector. "Consequently, the port has resolved to optimise these certifications as an integral part of its ongoing development."
Risk Studies
Regarding environmental concerns, meticulous attention has been devoted to biodiversity and climate change. Preservation of biodiversity has involved in-depth studies analysing dredging sludge to pinpoint disposal sites with minimal ecological impact. Similarly, each expansion zone undergoes a risk assessment based on species inventory.
"A biodiversity management plan has been devised, and we have established a partnership with the NGO Nature Tropicale, dedicated to marine species conservation," elaborates Ali Mamam Halalou. "Their involvement extends to raising awareness among stakeholders and the local population.”
Combating and adapting
Regarding climate change, the port has opted for construction methods with minimal greenhouse gas emissions and is offsetting these by establishing green spaces and plantations beyond Cotonou. Additionally, a study is in progress to install wind turbines and photovoltaic panels.
"When addressing climate change, it's not solely about emission reduction; we must also focus on mitigating its impacts," Ali Mamam Halalou emphasises. "Through simulations, we've evaluated the repercussions of rising sea levels, severe winds, and swell, enabling us to adapt our structures and safeguard activities and enterprises adjacent to the port."
A social dimension
This environmental initiative is an expansion of PAC's existing efforts as part of its certifications. However, to complement the new development, the decision was made to also address the societal dimension, with a specific focus on stakeholders and promoting decent work.
The stakeholders encompass individuals whose circumstances and livelihoods are likely to be affected by the port expansion. "While there isn't a village per se, there were occupants, some of whom were engaged in selling and providing services for the informal sector along the port," explains Ali Mamam Halalou. "An action and resettlement plan was devised, taking into consideration all these individuals, particularly women. A new site was constructed where they could relocate and continue their activities."
Ensuring decent work
Regarding decent work, the objective extends beyond the existing efforts in health and safety at work. The focus is now on evaluating social risks associated with human rights and gender. This ensures that the port area prohibits child labour, respects workers' gender preferences, and prioritizes local labour with equal skills.
"The issue primarily concerns the companies overseeing the projects, rather than the 600 PAC agents who have already benefited from our prior commitments," explains Ali Mamam Halalou. "We ensure that their hiring practices adhere to our regulatory criteria and that their worksites comply with our health and safety standards. Additionally, we guarantee that all workers are registered with the social security fund and have health insurance. It's a challenging task, but we're ensuring diligent monitoring with satisfactory outcomes."
The completion of the work is scheduled for 2026, marking the commencement of operations at the port's new location.