Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Natural Disasters
Type	Yes / No	Comments / Details
Drought	Yes	Benin is characterized by unusually dry conditions. This is due primarily to two important factors. Firstly, the situation of the coast which is rather well protected from western winds; secondly, the Atakora Barrier in the West and Northwest, which decreases the amount of rainfall
Earthquakes	No	From the past 50 years ago. There was not any significant Earthquake in Benin.
Epidemics	Yes	The following diseases are of concern in Benin: meningitis, Cholera, Lassa fever, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, AIDS, yellow fever and malaria. Further info here. The first case of dengue fever was observed in May 2019 in the Atlantic department of Benin. Between April 26 and July 29, 2019, the epidemic spread to the Littoral and Ouémé departments. Link. The COVID-19 pandemic has spread around the world. Benin recorded the first case of Covid-19 in March 2020 and the number of confirmed positive cases increased to 2683 confirmed cases and the country deplores 41 deaths related to COVID-19 as of October 29, 2020.
Extreme Temperatures	Yes	In Benin, winter, from November to January, is hot: in the north it's often torrid, and highs can exceed 35 °C (95 °F), while along the coast it's less hot, with highs around 31/32 °C (88/90 °F), but more humid, and with a bit of cloudiness in the morning. In the Centre and north, a wind from the desert blows in winter, called Harmattan, which can fill the sky with dust and make it white, creating a peculiar mist in the early hours of the day. Moreover, nights are cool in the north, and sometimes even cold, so that the lowest records are about 5 °C (41 °F). Climate to travel in Benin
Flooding	Yes	Cotonou, as in all large coastal cities, is exposed to rising water levels. Experts and institutions responsible for the issue of global warming monitor and alert on the issue. The economic capital of Benin is indeed threatened, because water is eating away at the land. Furthermore, the water level of the Niger and Ouémé rivers has risen. This poses a risk of flooding in several municipalities in Benin in the period from August 17 to 20, 2023. According to the flood alert bulletin from the Interinstitutional Forecast and Alert Unit (CIPA), the Ouémé River reached a level of 924 cm in Zagnanado and 675 cm in Bonou. The populations of the municipalities under threat are Zagnanado, Bonou, Adjohoun, Malanville and Karimama. Link
Insect Infestation	Yes	Link
Mudslides	Yes	Due to heavy rains during the rainfall seasons, some lands and soils are abusively deteriorated in the north and plateau zones.
Volcanic Eruptions	No	There are no known active volcanoes in Benin.
High Waves / Surges		Benin has about 120 coastlands opening to Atlantic Sea (located in Guinea Golf). The country is very exposed to any eventual tsunami or floods which can be caused by high waves in case of major earthquake happened in the ocean
Wildfires	Yes	Despite of some strong measurements adopted by the Benin government to sensitize the local population; the country remained exposed to wildfires during the dry seasons. Wildfires are usually caused by traditional hunters who continue to hunt wild animals in the large forest reserves.
High Winds	Yes	The harmattan, a hot and dry wind coming from the Sahara, blows across the entire territory during the dry season. Regular updates here
Other Comments	No
Man-Made Issues
Civil Strife	Yes	Despite its profile as a stable country in the sub region, Benin knows enough strikes due to the presence of the many layers of civil societies who claim to oppose to some political and economic reforms initiated by the various passed governments and actual government that been known the country. That's situation is exposing Benin to an unpredictable civil strike.
International Conflict	Yes	Considered a country spared from the jihadist threat since the start of the armed conflict in the Sahel zone, Benin suddenly became, in February 2022, the victim of three terrorist attacks in the W national park. This park is shared between Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso. Nowadays there are terrorist threats, banditry, and the risk of kidnapping in the area located less than 50 km from the borders with Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria in the departments of Atacora, Alibori and Borgou.
Internally Displaced Persons	No	N/A
Refugees Present	No	N/A
Landmines / UXO Present	No	N/A
Other Comments	Food insecurity during the lean season. the water contamination due to the households remained without potable water, malnutrition in the regions.

 

For more detailed database on disasters by country, please see this link

 

Calamities and Seasonal Effects

Seasonal Effects on Transport
Type	From (month) to (month)	Comments
Primary Road Transport	The primary roads are in majority in good conditions as they are asphalted and paved by locations. Rare construction projects exist by this around in the country. Some recent constructions are noted ended around 2015 to deserve borders to Nigeria (asphalted road-Segbana wara, Mallanville-Iloua and Ndali-Nikki-Chicandou).  However, there was a parfait rehabilitation road project done between Perere and Biro. But, in some parts of the north of the country can be affected during the rainy season especially between Ndali - Djugu and Natintingou.	May - October
Secondary Road Transport	The secondary roads are generally poor roads which can be deteriorated very quickly in the rainy season making them impracticable for heavy and some categories of the lighter vehicles.	May - mi-November
Rail Transport	The rail transport is very poor exclusively the old train is still functioning between Parakou and Cotonou. Transporting some goods.	In all seasons
Air Transport	The heavy rain and storms in the rainy season might cause some delays of flights in Cotonou international airport. The small aerodromes in Parakou, Kandi are in very poor condition. Not national or international flight are being noted.	May - November
Waterway Transport	The port of Cotonou suffers from congestion sometimes due to heavy flows of maritime traffics and especially during the rainy season.	May - November

 

The season of cotton harvest in the north of the country, has a big impact on the trucks availability. In Benin, transporters have become accustomed to cash payments (Cash and Carry). Most of the transporters doesn’t have legal documents or cannot declare the exact number of his trucks. As a result, truck owners prefer to divide themselves into small groups of truck owners with the only objective to simply continue their business without attracting the attention of tax departments to pay huge amounts of road transport taxes. The farmers and merchants are using the cheapest trucks owned by individuals or some small companies. They use the type of trucks suitable for their transport are mainly from 25 to 35 mt or even less due to the bad roads from different locations (especially in the north-west and centre). Most of the secondary and tertiary roads are in bad condition as well as it is difficult for heavy trucks (more than 20 mt) to use them during the rainy season.

 

Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling (economic, social, climate…)
Activity	Comments	From <month> to <month>
Storage	It is very difficult to find big storage capacity in Benin. There is no high limited storage structure in all over the country. Only the cotton factories have big storages.	January to December
Handling	Due to the high rate of unemployment, daily workers are available around the year.
Other	Due to the limited capacity in storage and the difficult transportation during the rainy season, it is highly recommended to pre-position humanitarian assistance (Food, NFI and other) closer to the beneficiaries before the rainy season.

 

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

Government

The Government asked the Coordination of the UN agencies to work together with the ministries and the UN system through a programme which brings all agencies and institutions of the United Nations System together to work towards the realization of Benin's development strategy. It is based on one of the integrated policies and services, and the real-time monitoring of the joint action plan. A leader and leadership of the Country Teams is based on mutual accountabilities of each agency, with a strengthened coordination function led by the Resident Coordinator, with the involvement of all members of the Country Team to reach the expected results of the UN in Benin. The single budget framework provides a holistic and transparent view of the entire UN contribution in the country as it relates the planning and costs of all Single Program activities. A Common Operation allows for the implementation of common operations and more efficient common services. A Common Communication facilitates coherence in messaging and advocacy on standards and operationalization. It allows a harmonized strategic dialogue of the Country Team vis-à-vis national and international partners.

More information are available via thus link.

Humanitarian/Development Community. 

 

Agency	Address	Contact numbers	Type of operations
UNICEF	01 BP 2289 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 02 66/ (229) 21 30 09 42	Child protection
UNFPA	01BP.506 Zone Résidentielle - Lot 115 - Cotonou	Tel: (+229) 21 31 53 66/ 21 31 44 13	Gender equality, improvement of health
UNDP	01BP.506 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 31 30 45 / 46 / 79	Reduction of poverty, fight against HIV/AIDS,  Development
OIT	01 BP 4853 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel/Fax: (+ 229) 21 31 01 76	Workers’ Rights, Workers’ Health
UNDSS	01BP.506 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 31 30 45 / 46 / 79	Safety and security of UN operations in the country
FAO	01BP 1369 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 31 42 45 - 21 31 44 29	Food Security
OMS	01 B.P. 918 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21-30-19-07/21-30-17-53	Health
IOM	08 BP 1066 Cotonou – BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 28 98/99	Refugees, Immigration protection
WORLD BANK	03B.P.2112 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 58 57 - 21 30 58 97 - 21 30 58 49 - 21 30 17 77	Financial and technical support to the poor countries
IMF	08 BP 989 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 14 31	Fight against poverty, Loan to the country in financial difficulties
Banque africaine de développement (BAD)	Immeuble DIBOUSSE 3ème Etage, Aile Gauche Boulevard de la Marina. Cotonou – BENIN	Tel : (+229) 90 30 40 42	Financial and technical support to the poor countries
Banque ouest-africaine de développement (BOAD)	01 BP 268 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 31 59 35	Financial and technical support to the poor countries
UNESCO	01 BP 506 Cotonou - BENIN	(+229) 95 05 39 69 - 97 27 74 41 (+229)20 21 30 12- 21 31 30 45 (+229)21 31 30 46 - 21.31.30.79	Culture, communication, Information, education and sciences
ONUSIDA	01BP.506 COTONOU -BENIN	Tel/Fax: (+229). 21.30.43.74	fight against HIV/AIDS
ONUHABITAT	01BP.506 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 31 30 45 / 46 / 79	Environment healthy, City Development
WFP	BP. 506, Cotonou, BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 09 73 & 21 31 55 03	Food security
UPU	06 BP 2114 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 33 43 08	Universal Access to communication
Catholic Relief Service USCC	01 BP 518 Cotonou -BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 85 38	Relief and development
SNV (Organisation Néerlandaise de Développement)	01 BP 1048 Cotonou -BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 31 35 59	Community development
OXFAM Québec	04 BP 171 Cotonou -BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 30 04 50	Advocacy and development
UNOPS	01 BP 506 Cotonou -BENIN	Tel: (+229) 91473838	Projects and services
USAID	01 BP 2012 Cotonou -BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 30 05 13/ 21 30 17 92	US Gov Aid and development agency
USADF	08 B.P. 546 Cotonou -BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 31 60 67	Aid and development agency
Plan International	08 BP 699 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 39 51/ 21 30 64 97	Community development
PSI (Population Services International)	08 BP 0876 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) +229 96 95 13 83	Sexual and reproductive health
Enabel (Belgian Development Agency)	02 BP 8118 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 59 37	Belgian Development Agency
GIZ	08 BP 1132 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 31 03 95	German Development Agency
CARITAS Benin	04 BP 1213 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 14 14 52/	Relief and development
AFD (Agence Française de Développement)	01 BP 38 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 31 35 80 /21 31 35 81	French Development Agency
UNCDF	01 BP 506 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : +(229) 21 31 30 45	Development and industries
UNHCR	08 BP 1066 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel :  (+229) 21 30 28 98/ 21 30 28 99	Refugee
Care International	60 BP 1153 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 30 44 00	Relief and development
Handicap International	C/130, rue 6.060 Aïdjèdo, Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 32 06 67	Relief and development
Médecin sans frontières (MSF)	01 BP 3943 Cotonou - BENIN. Lot B5 c/316, Rue 374, Cotonou	N/A	Medical and humanitarian aid
Médecins du Monde Suisse (MdM)	04 BP 1087 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 30 50 78	Medical and humanitarian aid
AFRICARE	04 BP 806 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 30 20 12	Community Development
Aide et Action	08 BP 0591 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 30 65 11	Community Development
American Peace Corps	01 BP 971 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 31 47 81	International solidarity and Community Development
Croix Rouge Allemande	01 BP 504 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 32 08 95	Relief
NEPAD	08 BP 803 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel : (+229) 21 31 70 79	Development
SOS Village d'enfant	01 BP 82 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 03 92 67	Child protection
Terre des Hommes	04 BP 924 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 30 72 92	Community Development
World Peace	01 BP 1852 Cotonou - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 21 61 32 63	Nutrition and child protection
Croix Rouge Beninoise	BP 01 Porto-Novo - BENIN	Tel: (+229) 95 74 78 82	Relief

 

 

 

Benin Regulatory Narrative 

Benin is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and is also a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).  

The UEMOA’s main objective is the construction, in West Africa, of a harmonized and integrated economic area, within which is ensured a total freedom of movement of persons, capital, goods, services and factors. production, as well as the effective enjoyment of the right of exercise and establishment for the liberal professions, residence for citizens throughout the Community. 

The Republic of Benin has considerably implemented its capacity of Legislation, Regulations and International Relations. Each ministry oversees and prepare its different legislative text projects and regulations for the departments to submit to the parliament for adoption. 

The Secretary General of the Government is the permanent organ responsible for coordinating the administrative activity of the Council of Ministers. In this capacity, he/she is responsible to: coordinate the administrative activity and ensure the secretariat of the meetings of the Council of Ministers; submit to the Council of Ministers the necessary documents for decision-making; ensure the preparation of draft texts resulting from the deliberations of the Council of Ministers; monitor the implementation of decisions taken by the Council of Ministers; prepare all draft circulars and instructions from the Head of Government; plan and organize government seminars to build the capacity of government members; ensure the proper preparation of the files that each member of the government is entitled to present before the National Assembly; ensure the preparation and regular maintenance of the upstream Inter-ministerial Committee of the Council of Ministers; participate in the preparation of speeches by the Head of State of the Nation; ensure the regular adoption, publication and dissemination of international laws, ordinances and commitments. 

The ministry of Finance and Economy oversees the Customs law regulations. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has the mandate of designing, re-elaboration, implementation, monitoring and reassessment of government policy matters in Economic, Finance and Budget. 

In Benin, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) is strongly represented. It has an international public institution headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. It is the issuing institute common to the member states of the West African Monetary Union (WAMU). When it was founded on May 12, 1962, it united the Republics of Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Senegal and the Togolese Republic.  

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAEP), has in charge the supervision, control and regulation of its sectors. It defines and implements the agriculture, Livestock and Fishery policies and the structure of the functioning.  

The Direction Nationale d’Alimentation Scolaire (School feeding National Direction), directly attached to the Ministry of the Primary National Education, design and regulate guides and guidelines for school feeding in the country. That Direction works directly with WFP in the large programme of PNASI (Programme National d’ Alimentation Scolaire intregrée).  

The Minister Delegate for the Budget shall, as delegated by the Minister of Economy and Finance, manage the functions relating to the preparation and execution, taxation and customs.  

The National Direction of Customs and the National Office of Control of Quality are together in charge of controlling the quality of all the food entering the country by issuing the Economical Police and the Phytosanitary certificate applied.  

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List.

https://www.gouv.bj/ministeres/  

 

Transit operators are advised to follow the assigned routes as well as to keep the customs seals or tracking devices intact to avoid tax evasion.  

Some platforms and warehouses are installed in certain borders for Customs regime by which imported goods are stored in a bonded place without the payment of import duty and other taxes on the goods at the entry point. This Customs indulgence affords the importer the opportunity to defer the payment of duty and other taxes until the goods are delivered for home consumption or are re-exported. The under-mentioned goods may be bonded place within the period indicated against them: 

 

Type of Good	Allowable Period
General Goods	12 months
Perishables	3 months
Raw Materials	Up to 2 years

It's important to note that in Benin, there will be no option for the re-storing of general goods. Perishable goods may, however, be re-stored for a limited period of only one month upon application and approval by the Commissioner of Customs.  

 

List of the approved customs commissioners click here. 

 

 

 

 

After the work, the new PAC should (1) have replaced its old infrastructure, adapted vessel access to the market demand (depth of 15m and length per station of 340m); (2) containerized cargo ship, vessels of 340m and 14m draft, handling capacity annual 1.8 to 2.0 million TEU; (3) created modern terminals adapted to demand and with increased capacity; (4) hydrocarbons: increase in vessel capacity and storage capacity; (5) added a dedicated Ro-Ro berth. 

 

This should allow the port to operate more effectively in the coming years and its capacity as forecasted by 2027 will pass from about 20 million Tonnes to 25 million. 

SAISONAL PERIOD IN BENIN
Départements	Saisons Sèches	Saisons pluvieuses
Alibori	November - April	May- October
Atacora	November - April	May- October
Borgou	November - April	May- October
Donga	November - April	May- October
Collines	December - March	April- July
	August	September, November
Zou	December - March	April - July
	August	September, November
Plateau	December - March	April - July
	August	September, November
Couffo	December - March	April – July
	August	September, November
Mono	December - March	April - July
	Août	Septembre Novembre
Atlantique	December - March	April - July
	August	September, November
Ouéme	December - March	April - July
	August	September November
Littoral	December - Mars	April- July
	August	September, November

 

On the other hand, the stores and other facilities made available to the customers are 

SEASONAL CONSTRAINTS
	Yes / No	From <month> to <month>
Rainy Season	Yes	May to Mi-November
Major Import Campaigns	Yes	Rice, Sugar, Construction materials and Equipment
Other	Yes	Year holidays. But it has been mentioned that the customs direction is in dynamic of perfection.

 

 

HANDLING FIGURES 2022
Vessel Calls:	340
Container Traffic: (TEUs)	526 000

 

Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk	Year 2022
Bulk (MT)	436,334
Break bulk (MT)	2,959,511

 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges: 

Port fees, which entails tugging, piloting, mooring and port dues will amount to about 5 000 000 XOF. General cargo handling is at about 5 000 XOF per tonne while bulk handling is around 2 500 XOF per tonne. For updates on conventional handling charges SOBEMAP can be consulted. Container handling charges are found in the table below and updates can be obtained from COMAN and SMTC. 

 

 

The Container Terminal /The Benin terminal is owned and operated by Africa Global Logistics (AGL) who replaced Bolloré Africa Logistics as a public-private partnership together with the Port Autonome de Cotonou. The access channel is dredged to 11.00 metres and is designed to accommodate vessels of 10 metres maximum draft.  

Storage areas / inland container depots in vicinity: Transit storage area of 100,000 m2 for cargo to Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali. Warehousing is either performed by SOBEMAP or AGL and there is 500,000 square meters of bonded warehouses inside the port. All port warehouse which adjoint the quay side are old and dilapidated with difficult access. The bad state of repair includes leaking roofs, cracked concrete surfacing, dirty and poor ventilation. It should be noted that SOBEMAP do not recognise the client tally on entering the warehouses. The only tally recognised is the SOBEMAP tally on exit from the warehouses which can result in considerable losses. Changes in handling containers in the port of Cotonou. Generally, the Un-stuffing (stripping) of containers does not occurs inside the port precincts. Cargos destined for Benin are taken to Zongo (less than 1 KM from the port) where the containers are stripped, inspected, and distributed for delivery in break bulk on trucks. For transit cargo to other countries, there is a new facility at Allada (about 40 KMS from Cotonou).  

WFP has been granted a concession by the Port Authorities that all WFP cargo (transit to other countries or delivery within Benin) could be stripped inside the Port premises and be moved in breakbulk on trucks to destinations. One of the most important effects of this is the improvement of conditions in the port container area where there is much less congestion with a separate exit for all the trucks loaded with containers to leave the port. Located on a sandy coast on the southern edge of the city of Cotonou, the Port of Cotonou is located at 6 ° 11'22 "North and 2 ° 26'30" East. It has a water of 80ha, covers an area of 400,000m2 and has an exceptional location that makes it a regional port. The Port of Cotonou proves to be the nearest outlet to the sea, and the least rugged to serve the eastern landlocked countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso. In the sub region, the Port of Cotonou is approximately equidistant from the Ports of Lagos (Nigeria) and Lomé (Togo) respectively 115km and 135km. Finally, it is the first transit port of the Republic of Niger, the closest and fastest relay and transhipment port to Nigeria. 

Stevedoring and Cargo Handling: SOBEMAP (Societé Beninoise des Manutentions Portuaires) is the only available stevedoring company in Benin with a concession to handle break bulk / bulk in the port. It can be best described as a QUANGO (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation). 

As well as break bulk / bulk cargo, SOBEMAP also offers cargo handling for containers, RO-RO cargo and warehousing. There is speculation that SOBEMAP may be privatised, and it is believed that both Bolloré and Necotrans would have a strong interest in participating in the process. Container handling is already performed by Coman (APM Terminals) and SMTC (Bolloré).  Grimaldi (with RO-RO vessels) and SOBEMAP control the stevedoring for loading and discharging vehicles. While organizations like the Millennium Project support the point of view that conventional cargo is being reduced and containerized cargo is increasing, break bulk and bulk cargos will continue to be imported. During our port visit, all bulk and break-bulk berths were occupied with vessels discharging rice and other bulk material. Several vessels were discharging rice in 50 KGS bags and others were discharging bulk rice into bagging machines alongside the vessels. In addition, the port handles bulk imports of fertilizer. Methods of handling cargo is very basic. In the instance of MV Black Eagle (WFP charter), a yoke was used for each hook, carrying 2 nets for either bags or cartons. To make a comparison, multiple bundles up to 25 tons are handled in Abidjan, using rope/web slings and no nets. (Source: Niels Olsen Report). All commercial rice vessels bringing rice in bags are using the same methods but obtain better results as they carry only one commodity and usually discharge from 4 hatches simultaneously which will result in a daily discharge figure of 2,000 MT discharged working 3 shifts.  SOBEMAP, SMTC (Bolore), APM Terminals (COMAN) all do container handling and Grimaldi / SOBEMAP do handling of car importation which is a large element. Car carriers are given priority berthing as well. Only SOBEMAP have the concession for break bulk/bulk handling, which as mentioned earlier, is inefficient and unproductive.  

Overland transport to Niger - Distances: Cotonou to Malanville: 735 KMS. Malanville to Gaya:  5 KM. Gaya to Dosso: 139 KM. Dosso to Niamey: 139 KM. Dosso to Maradi: 524 KM. Dosso to Zinder: 753 KM. 

Transit times (from vessel berthing): Every freight forwarding company gives conflicting information on this issue. This is a result of insufficient trucks resulting in waiting times, inclement weather, customs, and inspections delays in route and delays at border crossings at Malanville. During the discharge of the MV Black Eagle in May and June 2017, our Port Captain Niels Olsen ascertained the following information for Bolloré and CAT Logistics.  

Table below taken from WFP contracts with FFA during rainy and dry season – just as illustration.   

Destination in Niger Bolloré and CAT Logistics Rain and DrySeason. 

Destination	Bolloré		CAT Logistics
	Leadtime in Rain season	Leadtime in Dry season	Leadtime in Rain season	Leadtime in Dry season
Agadez	36 days	23 days	28 days	18 days
Maradi	33 days	21 days	30 days	20 days
Niamey	27 days	18 days	35 days	23 days
Tahoua	33 days	21 days	33 days	21 days
Zinder	35 days	23 days	33 days	21 days

 

Seasons and competing cargoes possibly affecting cargo operations. 

The principal rainy season is from April to late July, with a shorter less intense rainy period from late September to November. The main dry season is from December to April, with a short cooler dry season from late July to early September. Obviously, the transit times vary between the wet and dry seasons (as per above table). In addition, there is a transport competition for the import of commercial rice and fertilizers during the year. Also, the situation on the borders with large queues of waiting trucks and the slow processing of customs documents (SYDONIA system) at all points of the journey from exit to arrival exacerbates the situation. This creates a shortage of trucks for landlocked countries like Niger, that also has a quota system in force on the number of units with Niger or Benin registration that can be allowed. These issues exist even though both nations are members of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). As per our observations in Cameroon, there is a good argument to avoid discharging break bulk vessels at Cotonou during the rainy seasons. 

Rail connections 

Benin's railway network is divided into three lines: from Cotonou to Parakou (438 km); from Pahou to Segbohoue via Ouidah (33 km), and from Cotonou to Pobe via Porto-Novo (107 km). 

The former Benin-Niger Railway and Transport Organization (OCBN) operated the service until 2014, when it was delivered under concession to Beninrail. 

The track and rolling stock are in poor condition and the operation of the line is in pause due to cancellation of the concession contract. 

 

Berthing Specifications: 

Type of Berth	Quantity	Length  (m)	Maximum  Draft (m)	Comments
Conventional Berth	5	150-300	10	2 Berth general cargo with 9.5m draft. 2 berth general cargo with 10m draft and 1 car carrier/heavy/general cargo/slag, gypsum, clinker with 150m length and 10m draft.
Container Berth	3	500	10	Berth containers & roro vessels
Silo Berth	1	150	10	Old Silo berth existing but to be rebuilt
Berthing Tugs	3
Water Barges	10

 

Berth number 5 is the only berth dedicated for heavy general cargo vessels. The vessel is often lighted at the berth and then shifted towards 3 berths. Two private container terminal operated by SMTC (Bollore) and COMAN (Maersk) operate two shore cranes at quay 6/7-8. Tanker vessels are only allowed to dock and sail in daylight. Draught is calculated on the of basis high tide. Work was done in 2011 to add two (2) berths of total 550 meters with a depth of 13.5 meters. The old berths will also be dug out to attain 13.5 meters. Below is the port layout with the new berths included. 

 

 

 

 

Illustrations: Breakdown of WFP cargo into Cotonou and re-export from 2020 through 31 August 2023:     2020  2021  2022  2023  Import Océan & Terrestre  1 349,48  3 487,25  4 096,02  3 019,39  Export Hinterland  6 42,635  4 357,80  3 510,50  411,756

(3) the extension of the area of hydrocarbons (fuel) and port access.  

 

However, used vehicle storage activities have royalty rates of 2000 F / m2 / year (zone far from the Port), 5000 F / m2 / year (customs free zone), 8000 F / m2 / year (bonded area). 

however, stores and other facilities made available to customers are subject to royalty rates that reflect the investments made by the licensor. 

 

2019-2023: The actual ongoing work at the Port foresees an expansion on three levels:  

(1) the pier;  

(2) the capacity of container ship berths, and  

 

For the year 2022, we can note that merchandise traffic at the Port of Cotonou experienced a slowdown in its usual flow, passing from nearly 1,120,000 tonnes on average per month between February and July 2022 at only 877,000 tonnes in average per month from September to December 2022. 

 

It is true port of transit and transhipment, the Port of Cotonou represents in the sub-region, a privileged place of exchanges in the maritime and port domains. This strategic position that these assets confer on it cannot be meritorious, if the management of the spaces does not offer possibilities of implantation of various activities which made competitive the Port of Cotonou. The management of the Port Estate remains the bedrock and indispensable support for the exercise and development of port activities. With an area of ​​approximately 1000 hectares with its water, the Port of Cotonou is, without a doubt the most attractive Port for operators and this in all areas (Safety of people and property, Ship Assistance, Manpower, etc.). Thus, the economic operator wishing to invest in the port area must approach the structure responsible for the management of the port area of ​​the Autonomous Port of Cotonou to inquire about the formalities to be fulfilled. However, it is useful to remind customers that the Port district is subdivided into specific homogeneous spaces called Zones. Zones are defined as follows: 

 

1st Zone From the edge to the quay to the rails bordering the store-holdings on the South side; 

2nd Zone is between the rails and the customs fence which delimits the enclosure of the Port; 

3rd Zone is between the customs fence and the boulevard de la Marina. It also includes the Fishing Port Zone; 

4th Zone includes some land and buildings between the Boulevard de la Marina and Boulevard Jean Paul II; 

5th Zone Extra Port Zone (ZEP) located in AKPAKPA, a peripheral district of Cotonou. 

The Extension Zone, located after the container park to the west within the harbour enclosure. 

The port constituency also includes land at EKPE (14 hectares) and DJEGBE (10 hectares) on the Porto Novo Road. Regarding the royalty rates, they are the most flexible compared to those practiced in the sub-region. As an indication, these rates vary from 600 F / m2 / year to 1200 F/ m2 / year depending on the area occupied for bare land-conceded under private investment. 

Benin Aviation  

Link map and list of Benin Airports. The National Agency of Civil Aviation (ANAC) was created in the Republic of Benin, by decree N ° 2004-598 of October 29, 2004, replacing the Civil Aviation Directorate (DAC). It’s a public administrative and technical institution. It has moral personality and financial autonomy. ANAC is placed under the supervision of the Minister of Civil Aviation with strictly independent of the structures it controls, on behalf of the Rep of Benin. 

ANAC oversees ensuring, on behalf of the state, regulatory and control missions in the field of civil aviation. Thus, it provides benefits for the state even if some of them are paid, they go into the account of the state. However, she is not compelled to make profits. It only ensures the sovereign functions in civil aviation. In addition, it defines and executes state policy and represents it with all international civil aviation organizations. It also controls all airlines operating on the territory of the Republic of Benin, both domestic operators and foreign operators (regional and international) by granting them authorization and approval. 

Benin Government Contact – ANAC:  

Airport names shown in bold indicate the airport has scheduled service on commercial airlines.  

City served	Department	ICAO	IATA	Airport Name	Coordinates
Bembèrèkè	Borgou	DBBR		Bembereke Airport	10°16′25″N 002°41′46″E
Bohicon	Zou	DBBC		Cana Airport	07°07′32″N 002°02′49″E
Cotonou	Littoral	DBBB	COO	Cadjehoun Airport	06°21′26″N 002°23′04″E
Djougou	Donga	DBBD	DJA	Djougou Airport	09°41′31″N 001°38′15″E
Kandi	Alibori	DBBK	KDC	Kandi Airport	11°08′41″N 002°56′23″E
Natitingou	Atakora	DBBN	NAE	Boundétingou Airport	10°22′37″N 001°21′37″E
Parakou	Borgou	DBBP	PKO	Parakou Airport	09°21′25″N 002°36′33″E
Porga	Atakora	DBBO		Porga Airport	11°02′47″N 000°59′35″E
Savé	Collines	DBBS	SVF	Savé Airport	08°01′05″N 002°27′52″E

Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft 

The application for the operating license of a foreign airline is handled in accordance with each company which is invited to appropriate. All the necessary guidelines and form could be found at the ANAC official platform.   

The same rules apply to chartered flights and humanitarian flights. The company wishing to serve Cotonou must be designated by its Civil Aviation Authority of tutelage to the ANAC Benin. It must also take the necessary steps near its Authority so that the said designation is notified to the ANAC Benin through the diplomatic channel. 

In addition, the company must complete this questionnaire carefully so that its file can be studied. In the said questionnaire, it is requested to attach certain valid documents. These documents (Copy of the articles of association, the commercial register, the PEA or AOC, the air operator's authorization or the company's operating license, certificates of airworthiness, registration, noise limitation, radio station, insurance of each aircraft, etc.) must be provided to facilitate the study of the company's file. It is important to specify that at the end of the documentary phase, the company must undergo, in accordance with the national regulations in force, an inspection at its base. If the inspection reveals no major discrepancy, it is authorized by a Decision of the Director General of ANAC. As part of the renewal of the operating authorization of a foreign airline, it must fill out the aircraft authorization application form , print it and submit it to the ANAC Benin for study. Any renewal of the operating license of a foreign airline must be requested no later than three (03) months before the expiry of the current authorization. 

The aircraft authorization that usually accompanies the company's operating decision cannot, in any case, be valid for more than the company's PEA / AOC for which the company's authorized operating license is mentioned. For any difficulty or any need for clarification, do not hesitate to contact the competent services of ANAC who are at your service for a safe, orderly and prosperous civil aviation. 

UEMOA Zone Community Membership regulations: 

1. Community Code of Civil Aviation of UEMOA Member States:  

2. Regulation No. 08/2013 / CM / UEMOA adopting the Community Civil Aviation Code of UEMOA Member States:  

National Regulations:  
Benin has a new Civil and Commercial Aviation Code. The code replaces the 1963 Ordinance, which was previously used as a basic document. 

There are also new decrees; arrested, decisions, Aeronautical Regulations of Benin (RAB), and Procedure  

Some application documents:  

• OPERATING PERMIT QUESTIONNAIRE FOR FOREIGN AIRLINES 

 

Procedure Overview / Landing: 

General Rules 

The National Agency of Civil Aviation of Benin (ANAC - Benin) authorizes any overflight of the Beninese national territory or any landing on any of the aerodromes open to the international air traffic in Benin that under precise conditions and in close relationship with the Military Cabinet. As such, any request for overflight and landing must be sent to the ANAC within a strict deadline of at least 72 HOURS before the scheduled date of operation to allow for a processing and a procedure of checks and controls in force. 

All requests must be made during the working days of service at the ANAC - Benin as follows: from Monday to Friday (except holidays in Benin). from 8:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 18:30 (GMT + 1). 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

1. Weekends and holidays: In addition to the days declared "public" in the Republic of Benin, no permanence is available at the ANAC - Benin weekends (Saturday and Sunday). 

As such, all the necessary provisions must be made by the operators to get possession of their overflight and landing numbers during the working days and hours of service specified above. 

2. Specific case of EVASAN or "ambulance" aircraft: For specific cases of "ambulance" or "EVASAN" flights, subsequent special provisions derogating from point "1" of the "NB" will be published later. 

3. Contacts and email to apply for overflight and landing 

Any request for overflight or landing must be addressed to ANAC Benin through one of the following modes: Phone: (+229) 21.30.92.17, Fax. (+229) 21.30.45.71, Email: clearance@anac.bj , Or directly online.  

 

Railway Assessment 

 

Benin railway network was constructed during the colonial period, from 1900 to 1936. It’s structured around a single track, narrow gauge (1m) of 577 km in total and divided in three lines: 

1. The central line from Cotonou to Parakou, 438 km. 

2. The West line, linked to the central line at Pahou (Pobè). 32 km from Pahou to Segbohoue via Ouidah. 

3. The East line from Cotonou to Pobe via Porto-Novo,107 km. 

The two last railway lines have been put out of operation: Cotonou – Pobè and Cotonou – Sègbohoué.  

In November 2013, Benin and Niger signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a railway line linking Cotonou to Niamey. 

In addition to linking Parakou with Gaya, this project also aims to rehabilitate and modernize the Cotonou-Parakou railway line. The end of the work was scheduled for September 2015. Ultimately, the project was supposed to be implemented by Bolloré group. And strategically, with the partner, the aims was to connect Cotonou to Abidjan via Niamey and Ouagadougou ( with nearly 3,000 km of railway line in total). 

For the moment, only the central line is being used. Normally, the track was supposed to reach Niamey, linking landlocked Niger to the Port city of Cotonou. The project was stopped by the Second World War and unfortunately was not followed through by both countries (Benin and Niger) after their independences. 

In fact, as in many other African countries, investments in the rail sector have been very limited. Indeed, to improve this situation, both governments of Benin and Niger have decided to launch the project AFRICARAIL together with Togo and Burkina Faso. The objective of the project is for the first phase to build 1,300 km of rails to connect to the partner countries. 

Travel Time Matrix 

Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days) 

	Cotonou	Abomey	Parakou	Kandi	Sègbohoué	Porto Novo	Pobè	Zangando
Cotonou	OH	2H	9h	-	-	-	-	-
Abomey	2H	0H	7H	-	-	-	-	-
Parakou	9H	7H	0H	-	-	-	-	-
Kandi	-	-		-	-	-	-	-
Sègbohoué	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Porto Novo	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Pobè	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Zangando	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Railway Companies and Consortia 

The former joint organization Benin Niger of Railways and Transport (OCBN) which was Bi-state company with capital of 23 billion of FCFA and created since 1959, was privatised by the President Former President Yayi Boni in 2014 to become Benin rails.  

During the Assessment, it has been noted that on 04 September 2014, the Government of Benin published on its official portal a press release on the working visit of the Nigerien President to Benin and on the construction of the OCBN station in repair. The PETROLIN Group hereby strongly disagrees with the State's statement of facts concerning the construction and rehabilitation project for the Benin-Niger railway line. This project is presented on the official portal of Benin, as one of the segments of a "Railway Loop" from Abidjan to Lomé, including through Ouagadougou, Niamey and Cotonou. There is no global international agreement on such a "loop" or legal framework. 

The Republics of Benin and Niger are in fact bound by formal agreements concerning the Benin-Niger railway and it is in this context that they launched an international call for tenders in August 2008 for the occasioning of the said railway network. its rehabilitation, construction, operation and management. 

The PETROLIN Group won this call for tenders, which was notified to it on 22 July 2010 by final award letter N ° 001/2010/MTTA / MTTTATP/PR/CPC signed by Benin and Niger. 

On the other hand, the Bolloré group, which had acquired the bidding documents, finally refrained from bidding. 

The PETROLIN Group is therefore the designated concessionaire for the Cotonou-Parakou-Dosso-Niamey railway network. It is in this capacity that at the request of the Benin and Niger States, its President Mr Samuel DOSSOU-AWORET, was able to take part in discussions with private investors, the Bolloré Group, to give them the opportunity to participate in the PETROLIN Group project within the existing legal framework. 

Also, the PETROLIN Group can only contest the declarations published by the Beninese Government on its official portal. 

It should be remembered that it is the PETROLIN Group which is behind the "Dorsal Spine" project. 

The main component of this project is the Cotonou-Parakou-Niamey railway line via Dosso with its two (02) terminals created by the PETROLIN Group, the already built Dry Port of Parakou and the Oil, Mineral and Commercial Port in water. Deep Seme Podji subject of a Special Agreement between the Republic of Benin and the PETROLIN Group. 

This work and achievements were carried out in execution of the Framework Convention concluded on January 25, 2010, between the Republic of Benin and the PETROLIN Group in order to allow the development of the Dorsal Spine Project. This Framework Agreement has granted the PETROLIN Group exclusive rights, particularly over the Benin - Niger railway. These rights were reinforced by the call for tenders won by the PETROLIN Group on the Benin-Niger rail network. 

It will be added that under the terms of Article 15 of the Framework Convention, the Beninese State undertook not to expropriate the PETROLIN Group in any way whatsoever from all or part of the assets of the back-bone Project. or to disturb the full and exclusive enjoyment of the rights related to the project. 

The PETROLIN Group has already incurred significant expenditures, notably for carrying out the feasibility studies of the Sèmè Podji Railway, the Oil, Mineral and Commercial Deepwater Port, the construction of the Parakou Dry Port and intends that its rights be respected. 

Also, the PETROLIN Group invites, the States of Benin and Niger as well as the BOLLORE Group, to abide by and respect the rights granted which they cannot claim to ignore without jeopardizing the implementation of the Public / Private Backbone Project, designed to participate in the economic and social development of Benin, the neighbouring countries and countries of the sub region; and to continue with the concessionaire designated this project in the existing legal framework, and this in the interest of the populations and the companies in Benin, Niger and in the sub-region. 

Capacity Table 

Today there is only a single operational line (Cotonou-Parakou) which partly ensures the traffic of goods in transit to the hinterland countries. 

Key Route Information 

Standard Route Information
	Route A   Cotonou -Parakou	Route B   Cotonou - Abomey	Route C   Cotonou - Pobè	Route D   Cotonou - Sègbohoué
Track gauge	1m	1m	1m	1m
Ruling gradient	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Total track distance (single and/or double)	438km.	144km.	107km.	60km.
Type of rail (weight and if welded or not)	Single track, Welded	Single track, Welded	Single track, Welded	Single track, Welded
Type of sleeper and fastenings	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Total track travel time	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad)	marginal	marginal	marginal	marginal
Companies-consortiums operating on line	None	None	None	None
Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily)	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Security (Good, marginal, bad)	Marginal	Marginal	Marginal	Marginal
Main stations (Add details below)	Cotonou/Parakou	Cotonou	Cotonou	Cotonou

Key Stations 

Key Station Information
	Cotonou	Abomey	Parakou
Location	Cotonou	Abomey	Parakou
Contact Information	N/A	N/A	N/A
Connections with other  transport means  (road/waterways/air)	Road	Road	Road
Storage Capacity  (square meters and cubic meters)	N/A	N/A	N/A
Handling Equipment	N/A	N/A	N/A
Handling Capacity:  MT / Hour  TEU / Hour	N/A	N/A	N/A
Other Comments	No comment	No comment	No comment

 
 

 

Waterways Assessment 

Benin has several rivers, the most important is the Pendjari river in  the northwest (380 km), Couffo to the southeast (170 km), Ouémé to the center and south (150 km), Niger to the north and to the northeast and finally, the Mono to the west (100 km). Some of these rivers have important affluents. It is Niger with Mekrou (410 km), Alibori (338) and Sota (250 km) and Ouémé with Zou (150 km).  

River transport is not very developed and is essentially focused on Lake Nokoue. It allows trading between the people living around the lake and the international market in Cotonou. They are mainly boat owners providing shuttle services. 

For more information here.  

Government Contact here. 

 

The Niger Basin  

Over 135 km, the Niger River is the border with the State of Niger. On this short route, the Niger has a straight line-oriented NW-SE and receives on the right back the contributions of four affluents which are from west to east:  

• The Mékrou (10,500 km²);  

• The Kompa Guru (1,980 km²);  

• The Alibori (13,740 km²);  

• The Sota (13,600 km²).  

Southeast of the Sota basin are located the high basins of Nigerian tributaries including Wara and Olil. The Ouémé (400 km of which 200 are navigable), le Mono (350 Km of which only 100 km are navigable) and the Couffo. 

  

The Pendjari basin (420 km in Benin)  

Run off from the northern slopes and highlands of the Natitingou region will converge on the Atacora boutonniere. There are three main areas of drainage:  

• The Kounne: 550 km2 for a length of 46 km and 200 m of unevenness,  

• The Tigou: 317 km2 for a length of 27 km and 300 m of unevenness,  

• The Sarga: 567 km2 for a length of 48 km and 300 m of unevenness.  

• The Kounne and the Tigou will join to form the Pendjari which will receive 22 km further Sarga.  

 

The Ouémé basin  

We distinguish the part of the Ouémé basin on the Dahomeyen basement which is called the "Ouémé Supérieur", and is located on the sedimentary formations of the coastal basin that is designated the "Lower Ouémé".  

 

The Upper Ouémé (46,500 km2 for a length of 523 km)  

We can divide the hydrographic network of Upper Ouémé into three entities:  

The left bank network, located east of the north-south axis consisting of the Alpouro and then the Ouémé valleys.  

The north-west network, on the flanks of the reliefs of Atacora and Alédjo  

The Zou basin.  

Some of the most important tributaries are from upstream to downstream:  

• The Alpouro: 2 010 km2 for a length of 86 km,  

• Yerou Maro: 2 590 km2 for a length of 120 km,  

• The Biffa: 1 990 km2 for a length of 78 km,  

• Okpara: more than 10 000 km2 for a length of 362 km.  

 

The lower Ouémé  

After its confluence with the Zou, Ouémé deeply cuts the formations of Continental Terminal. The slope of the river then becomes extremely low (5 m of unevenness over 85 km) and the Ouémé Valley presents itself as a large flood zone where the hydrographic system is very complex. A river, the Sô on the right back, has a course parallel to the Ouémé with which it is connected by different arms sometimes diffluent, sometimes tributaries: Zounga, Agbagbe, Ouovu and Zouvi. It is this ensemble that forms the delta of Oueme. Sô and Ouémé flow into Nokoué Lake respectfully around Ganvié and west of Porto-Novo to the east.  

Nokoué Lake communicates with the sea through the channel of the Cotonou lagoon and the Porto-Novo and Nigeria lagoons.  

On highly permeable bar earth plateaus, there is almost no hydrographic network. In the Lama Depression very flat, the hydrographic network is very degraded. There are many areas of endoreism.  

 

The Couffo basin (190 km)  

The Couffo has its source in Togo at 240 m above sea level, near the village of Tchetti. It flows into Lake Ahémé 24 km long and whose outlet is the lagoon complex "Bouches du Roi".  

The tributaries are of minor importance and have high slopes (from 5 to 13 m / km).  

Let's quote from upstream to downstream:  

• The Aiokpe: 47 km2  

• The Gougou: 36 km2  

• The Honve: 166 km2  

• The Agougan: 90 km2  

• The Dra: 147 km2  

On the land of the bar and the Cretaceous and Eocene formations, the hydrographic network is non-existent.

  

The Mono Basin (148 km in Benin) and the Sazue (150 km)  

On the 148 km of its route in Benin, the Mono cuts the formations of the Continental Terminal and flows in a wide alluvial valley (about 10 km). The slope of the bed becoming very low (0.06 to 0.4 m / km), the Mono describes large meanders through flood zones before joining the lagoon system of "Bouches du Roi".  

 

In the alluvial valley exists a degraded and complex hydrographic network, with the presence of ponds and lakes on its periphery. Two of the most important are Togbadji and Toho lakes.  

Moreover, the Beninese territory has in the littoral zone, an important lacustrine and lagoon network of approximately 270 km2. The main lakes and lagoons, from west to east, Lake Toho, Lake Togbadji, Lake Ahémé (78 km2), Lake Nokoué (135 km2) and the lagoon of Porto-Novo. Further north of this range are very small dam lakes in the Ouémé and Mono plains. These different morpho-climatic and fluvial elements contribute to the formation of exploitable soils for agriculture.