West African Trade Shifts as Benin's Port Thrives on Landlocked Neighbor Demand
Benin's Port of Cotonou experienced a dramatic 52% surge in cargo volume in 2025, reaching 14.7 million tonnes, with Burkina Faso emerging as a critical transit market handling nearly 1 million tonnes since then. The regional trade dynamics shifted significantly after the Benin-Niger border closure in July 2023, forcing alternative routes through Cotonou for commerce with landlocked nations. The port is targeting 25 million tonnes in capacity while facing customs revenue headwinds of 7.2% decline in the first half of 2026.
The Port of Cotonou's remarkable growth reflects a fundamental reshaping of West African logistics networks. Following the July 2023 border closure between Benin and Niger, trade patterns shifted dramatically, with landlocked nations now routing commerce through Benin's coastal infrastructure. Burkina Faso emerged as a particularly important client, importing roughly 1 million tonnes annually through the port since 2025, diversifying Cotonou's revenue streams beyond traditional markets.
However, this expansion masks underlying fiscal pressures. Despite handling record cargo volumes—reaching 14.7 million tonnes in 2025—Benin's customs revenues declined 7.2% in early 2026, suggesting that increased transit traffic may not translate proportionally to government income. The port's ambitious 25 million-tonne capacity target depends on sustaining growth momentum while addressing regional port congestion that currently diverts transhipment cargo to Cotonou.
The Port of Cotonou's expansion could reshape economic relationships across landlocked West African states, which now depend more heavily on Benin's infrastructure and goodwill. This dependence may enhance Benin's regional influence but could also create vulnerabilities for neighboring nations reliant on stable port access. For Benin itself, higher cargo volumes could eventually improve employment and local development, though the current customs revenue shortfall suggests benefits may accrue unevenly between port operators and government finances.