On Friday, January 30, 2026, the consortium comprising Eiffage Génie Civil Marine, Spie Batignolles Fondations and the Beninese firm Adéoti marked a key milestone in the expansion of the Port of Cotonou. The partners, responsible for extending the port basin and rehabilitating the North and South quays, officially presented the results of the first phase of works during a ceremony attended by leading figures from the port community.
The event brought together senior representatives from across the maritime and logistics ecosystem, including officials from Africa Global Logistics, Benin Terminal, the leadership of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, and delegates from the Ministry of Living Environment and Transport in charge of Sustainable Development. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the project for Benin’s trade infrastructure.
During the presentation, the consortium highlighted tangible progress achieved in this initial stage. Works completed include the construction of 400 meters of new quay wall, the incorporation of 4,200 tons of steel into the structures, and the installation of approximately 400,000 paving stones. These figures reflect both the scale of the undertaking and the technical complexity involved in modernizing critical port infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity.
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, David Fontini emphasized the strong safety performance recorded throughout phase one, noting that the works were delivered without incident. He reaffirmed the partners’ commitment to maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards through to final completion.
The Director General of the port authority commended the dedication and coordination demonstrated by the project teams. He reiterated the mission of the Port of Cotonou to facilitate international trade with transparency, efficiency and operational excellence, positioning the platform as a trusted gateway for regional and global commerce.
Once fully delivered, the upgraded facilities will be made available to port users and logistics operators, significantly enhancing berth capacity, cargo handling efficiency and overall competitiveness. The improvements are expected to strengthen the port’s ability to accommodate growing trade volumes and larger vessels.
This development forms part of a broader master plan aimed at transforming the Port of Cotonou through a series of major infrastructure projects designed to boost its attractiveness and resilience. Upon completion of the wider program, the port is set to reinforce its status as a leading logistics hub for the sub region and a strategic gateway extending well beyond Benin’s borders.
