Benin
Country Name |
BENIN |
---|---|
Official Country Name |
REPUBLIQUE DE BENIN |
Assessment Details |
|
From (Month / Year) |
October 2023 |
To (Month / Year) |
November 2023 |
Name of Assessors |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto |
Title and Position |
SBP Logistics Officer and CO Benin Logistics Officer |
Contact (email and phone) |
moctar.kaka@wfp.org | +229 57 48 81 55 joseph.assouto@wfp.org | +229 69 66 55 18 |
Table of Contents
Chapter | Name of Assessor | Organisation | Date Updated |
---|---|---|---|
1 Benin Country Profile |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
2 Benin Logistics Infrastructure |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
2.2 Benin Aviation | Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
2.2.1 Benin Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport of Cotonou |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
2.3.11 Benin-Togo Athiéme Border Crossing | Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
2.4 Benin Railway Assessment | Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
2.5 Benin Waterways Assessment | Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
2.6 Benin Storage Assessment | Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
2.7 Benin Milling Assessment | Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
3 Benin Services and Supply |
Fanta Mamady Cherif and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Fanta Mamady Cherif and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2018 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
3.7 Benin Waste Management and Recycling Infrastructure Assessment | Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
4 Benin Contact Lists |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
4.3 Benin Laboratory and Quality Testing Companies Contact List |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
4.4 Benin Ports and Waterways Companies Contact List | Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Fanta Mamady Cherif and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 | |
Moctar Kaka and Joseph Assouto | WFP | November 2023 |
Benin - 1 Country Profile
Generic Information
The Republic of Benin is from north to south a long stretched country in West Africa, situated east of Togo and west of Nigeria, it is bordered to the north by Burkina Faso and Niger, in south by the Bight of Benin, in the Gulf of Guinea, that part of the tropical North Atlantic Ocean which is roughly south of West Africa. Benin's coastline is just 121 km (75 mi) long. With an area of 112,622 km² , officially the Republic of Benin, should not be confused with the Kingdom of Benin or Benin City, which is part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The population numbered 13.35 million inhabitants in 2022 with a fertility index of 5.7 children per woman and a life expectancy of 61.2 years.
The country gained its independence from France on August 1st, 1960, as the Republic of Dahomey. In 1975, its name was changed from Dahomey to Benin, as the political boundaries of the country not only encompass the territory of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey but cover over fifty distinct linguistic groups and nearly as many individual ethnic groups.
Benin’s official capital is Porto Novo, though the government, the presidency of the republic and diplomatic representations are in Cotonou.
For a generic country overview, please consult the following sources:
Humanitarian Info
Facts and Figures
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Benin, a narrow, north-south strip of land in West Africa, lies between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. The country's latitude ranges from 6o30N to 12o30N and its longitude from 10E to 3o40E. It extends from the Niger River in the north to the Atlantic Ocean in the south, which represents distance of 700 kilometres (about 500 miles). The coastline is estimated at 121 kilometres (about 80 miles), whereas the country measures about 325 kilometres (about 215 miles) at its widest point. It is one of the smaller countries in West Africa: eight times smaller than Nigeria, its neighbour east. It is, however, twice as large as Togo, its neighbour to the west. A relief map of Benin shows that it has little variation in elevation.
TOPOGRAPHY
Benin can be divided into five natural regions: A coastal area, low, sandy and bounded by lagoons; A plateau zone called "La terre de barre" made of iron clay cut with marshy dips; A silica clayey plateau with wooded savannah extending North of Abomey to the foothills of the Atakora hills; - A hilly region in the Northwest, the Atakora, with elevation ranging from 500 to 800 metres and constituting the water reservoir for Benin and Niger Republics; Niger plains which are vast fertile silica-clayey areas.
VEGETATION
The forest thins out considerably in the centre and gives way to grassland. Elsewhere, cultivated crops predominate, including the immense palm groves of lower Benin and the coconut plantations on the 124 kilometres long coastline and along the lagoon.
Benin - 1.1 Humanitarian Background
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. |
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 |
|
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 - 1.2 Regulatory Departments and Quality Control
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.
Benin - 1.3 Customs Information
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.
Benin - 2 Logistics Infrastructure
Benin - 2.1 Autonomous Port of Cotonou
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:
|
(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 - 2.2 Aviation
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.
Airport Name |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DBBR |
|
||||
DBBC |
|
||||
DBBB |
COO |
||||
DBBD |
DJA |
||||
DBBK |
KDC |
||||
DBBN |
NAE |
||||
DBBP |
PKO |
||||
DBBO |
|
||||
DBBS |
SVF |
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:
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:
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Benin - 2.2.1 Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport of Cotonou
Import |
Rate US$ / kg |
---|---|
Handling Charge per kg |
High Intensity -Cotonou, Airport 83,000 XOF / MT for aircraft of 75 tonnes or less 108,000 XOF / MT for Aircraft over 75 tonnes Low Intensity 40,500 XOF /MT |
Break Bulk Fee |
50 XOF/Kg |
Diplomatic Mail |
Free |
Strong Room – per consignment |
yes |
Cold Storage Fee |
No |
Delivery outside normal working hours |
21% |
Preparation of substitute AOA – Invoice – Receipt |
|
Storage per kg per day – Grace period? hours |
Maxi 5 working days |
Export |
Rate US$ / kg |
Handling charges – Unpalletized cargo |
132/Mt |
International Air WayBill |
?? |
Local Air WayBill |
?? |
Air Way Bill Amendment - Cancellation |
N/A |
Air Way Bill Documentation |
?? |
Diplomatic Mail |
Free |
Storage charges per kg per day |
50 XOF/Kg |
Air-bridge Charges
The Air-bridges are not available at the airport. It has been directly negotiated directly by PIA.
Security
The security of the airport premises is ensured by the National Air Police agents who are also in charge of the safety of the interior. The level of security procedures is fair. CCTV is being installed in the airport premises. Scanning machines are available at the airport. The airport is fenced and guarded by security agents. Outing Gate Payment materials are being installed.
Companies Available
COTONOU AIRPORT LINK TO COMPANY CONTACT LIST.
Aircraft Weight - MTOW (kg) |
Navigation (per journey) USD - $ |
Landing USD - $ |
Night Landing USD - $ |
Night Take-Off USD - $ |
Parking |
Handling Charges |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0
7,001
136,001 |
7,000
136,000
and over |
Maximum take-off weight in Certificate of Airworthiness and distance flown. For MTOW up to 14 tonnes, the charge payable is fixed at the rate of EUR 211.69 on international flights, EUR 88.14 on national flights and 84.99 on regional flights |
International First 25 tonnes: 2 616 XOF / MT From the 26th to the 75th tonne: 5 229 XOF / MT From the 76th to the l50th tonne: 7 397 XOF / MT Over 150 tonnes: 6 945 XOF / MT Domestic First 14 tonnes: 572 (min 1 439) XOF / MT From the l5th to the 25th tonne: 2 113 XOF / MT From the 26th to the 75th tonne: 4 218 XOF / MT From the 76th to the l50th tonne: 5 333 XOF / MT Over 150 tonnes: 4 984 XOF / MT Tourist aircraft weighing 2 tonnes or less: 1 439 XOF / MT |
|
|
PARKING CHARGES First two hours free; thereafter: Aircraft Weight x hours x tariff: Tariff on traffic Aprons: 50 XOF x Tariff other areas: 25 XOF |
High Intensity (at Niamey airport only) 83 746 F CFA / MT for aircraft of 75 tonnes or less 106 079 F CFA / MT for Aircraft over 75 tonnes Low Intensity 41 876 F CFA /MT |
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Note 1: Night landing hours are between 00:00 – 24:00 hours Note 2: Parking charges are for each 1 hour or part of. $0.4 per Mt / per hour from the second hour. |
Fuel Services Charges
The SONACOP is the sole provider of the fuel services at the airport. The price of Jet A-1 varies if it is for a domestic flight or an international flight.
KER (JET A1): Flow 135 M3/H Capacity 760 M3. Payment in € and US$ or FCFACORLAY BENIN (MRS): KER (JET A1): Flow 180 M3/H Capacity 530 M3 - KER (JET A1): PUMA ENERGY BENIN. Flow 120 M3/H - Capacity 685 M3. Payment cash in US$ and € or FCFA. Payment by credit cards (UVAIR/WORLD FUEL SERVICES). Services period: 24 hours /24 - 7days /7. 24HR for volume upper above 465 M3Payment in € - US$ or FCFA. Credit cards (UVAIR). Card MRS, world fuel accepted only by service CORLAY-BENIN (MRS). Types of the fuel are KER (JET A1): CORLAY-BENIN (MRS), PUMA ENERGY BENIN et SONACOP
|
Price per Unit |
---|---|
Jet A-1 |
1.1410/Litre |
Avgas |
0.97/Litre |
Cargo Terminal Charges
For all the cargo terminal charges, it is preferable to negotiate directly with SOGEAC and obtain a quotation. Other charges that could be included are:
Passenger Service Charges of $26 from Africa to $31 Out of Africa
Passenger Security Charge of $5
ASU is $128.06 per start
Baggage Recognition of $248
Infrastructure Charge of $25 per Passenger
GPU: the first hour is $193 and is $96 from the second hour
Passengers Transportation of $41 per flight
Toilets servicing of $96.29
Benin - 2.2.2 Parakou Airport
Benin - 2.2.3 Bohicon-Cana Airport
Benin - 2.3 Road Network
Benin - 2.3.1 Niger Malanville Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.2 Nigeria Nikki (Chicandou) Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.3 Nigeria Iloua Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.4 Togo Ouake (Djougou) Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.5 Nigeria Seme-Krake Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.6 Nigeria Segbana-Wara Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.7 Burkina Faso Porga Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.8 Nigeria Kétou (Ilara) Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.9 Togo Hilaconji Border Crossing
For more detail about Hilla-Condji Border clearance process click here.
Required documents remained the ECOWAS travels and custom clearance papers. The waiting time for crossing might vary depending on the traffic. Goods are subject to some inspections by the different agencies operating at the post. Foreign cargo vehicles entering Benin must obtain Customs issues this document (laissez passer) at the border, which is valid for 30 days. If it expires, drivers must return with the vehicle to the same border entry to renew it. The maximum renewal period that may be granted is 90 days. Customs will require drivers to produce the following documents to process as follows: The international driver’s licence and the ECOWAS Brown Card.
Benin - 2.3.10 Togo Aplahoué Border Crossing
Benin - 2.3.11 Togo Athiéme Border Crossing
Benin - 2.4 Railway Assessment
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:
-
The central line from Cotonou to Parakou, 438 km.
-
The West line, linked to the central line at Pahou (Pobè). 32 km from Pahou to Segbohoue via Ouidah.
-
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 |
Benin - 2.5 Waterways Assessment
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.
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.
Benin - 2.6 Storage Assessment
Benin - 2.7 Milling Assessment
Milling Company Les Grands Moulins du Benin
There is a commercial milling plant in Benin called Grands Moulins du Benin Flour Mill, which was the founding company of the Chagoury Group. It consists also one of the biggest functioning millings in west Africa and is based in Cotonou. The construction of the facility began in 1971, with production beginning at the plant in 1972. In 2010, the company was bought by a large group, which has relaunched the activities of the company with, therefore, the launch on the Beninese market of a flagship product: '' Scrunchy '' instant noodles.
Flour Mill Operating since 1972 with a production capacity of 300 mt per, acquired by an American company in 2017. Implementation of an ambitions business and industrial development plan. Multiplication of the production capacity and storage capacity by three (3). Launch a complete industrial restructuring program and successfully turned around the company. GMB is back to profit with today 60% Share of Market.
Company Name and Address |
Contact Names and Email |
Telephone and Fax |
---|---|---|
Grands Moulins du Benin Cotonou - Quartier Akpakpa 01 BP 949 Cotonou, Benin |
Name: Didier Balzaretti Title: Managing Director Email: info@gmbenin.com Web: |
Tel: (+229) 21 33 08 17/ 21 33 13 49 Fax: (+229) 21 33 01 49 |
Summary of Role and Services |
||
Agri-food proceeding company |
Facilities |
||
---|---|---|
Parking Area Inside Compound (m²) |
Information not available, but the area is quite sufficient. |
|
Drainage |
Good |
|
Fire Fighting Equipment |
Yes |
|
Number of Ventilators (screened) |
No info |
|
Electricity Load (KVA) |
6 MW (Central of 4 generators running in rotation) |
|
Backup Generator(s) |
Yes |
Yes |
Milling Equipment |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Origin of Machinery |
Year of Mfg |
Year of Installation |
Condition |
Suisse (Buhler) |
2012 |
2015 |
Good |
Maintenance |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Duration |
Hours / Week |
Type of Maintenance |
144 |
Other Equipment or Machinery Installed |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Type of Equipment |
Available |
Number |
Owned |
Comments |
Fortification Feeder |
Yes |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Bag Cleaning Plant |
Yes |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Moisture Tester |
Yes |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
De-stoning Plant |
Yes |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Metal Extractor |
Yes |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Staffing |
|
---|---|
Number of Full Time Skilled Workers |
±140 |
Number of Full Time Labourers |
|
Building |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Length (m) |
Width (m) |
Height (m) |
Building – Wheat Mill |
No information found |
No information found |
No information found |
Building – Maize Mill |
No information found |
No information found |
No information found |
Walls |
Bounded wall |
||
Roof |
Good and large |
||
Floor |
Good and flat |
Conditions & Cleanliness |
||
---|---|---|
|
Outside |
Inside |
Cracks in Walls or Roof |
Yes |
No |
Signs of Rodent Activity |
Yes |
No |
Signs of Birds Entry |
Yes |
No |
Damaged Gutters/Drains |
Yes |
No |
Signs of Moisture |
Yes |
No |
Adjacent Vegetation |
Yes |
No |
Cleanliness |
Good |
Good |
Pest Control |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fumigation |
Yes |
Frequency |
Bi- Monthly |
Contracted |
N/A |
Spraying |
Yes |
Frequency |
Monthly |
Contracted |
Yes |
Rodenticides |
No |
Frequency |
N/A |
Contracted |
N/A |
Rodent Trapping |
N/A |
Frequency |
N/A |
Contracted |
N/A |
Security |
|
---|---|
Security |
Good |
Compound |
Fenced |
Other Comments |
N/A |
Access |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Distance from Main Town (km) |
5 km |
||
Travel Time if not Located in Town (hours) |
City of Cotonou, Industrial zone Akpakpa |
||
Road Condition to Mill |
Good |
||
Road Limitations (if any) |
No limit |
||
Rail Connections |
No |
||
On the Railway From |
N/A |
To |
N/A |
Other Comments |
|
Milling Capacity |
||
---|---|---|
Commodities |
Daily Capacity (MT) |
Monthly Activity (MT) |
Wheat |
300 |
7500 |
Maize |
300 |
7500 |
Storage Capacity |
||
---|---|---|
Storage in Metric Tons |
Wheat – Covered (MT) |
Flour – Covered (MT) |
Within the Compound |
5,000 |
5,000 |
Outside the Compound |
8,000 |
8,000 |
Benin - 3 Services and Supply
Services and Supply
The following sections contain information on the service and supply industries of the Republic of Benin. The service and supply sector in Benin has been until now competitive and offers good service quality.
Most goods are imported, and local factories and transformation industries are existing. The demand of the population is also high. Factories and the industries face high electricity costs to function. Cotonou city remains the centre of factories concentration, in the industrial zone called Akpakpa.
List of Corporate Headquarters in COTONOU
List of companies in the Benin Chamber of Commerce.
List of CCIB enterprises - 2015
Further information sources :
- 2023 Updated List of Transport Services providers used by WFP Benin
- 2023 Updated List of Food suppliers used by WFP Benin
- 2023 updated List of the accommodation/Conferencing services used UN inter agencies in Benin
- Official List of the approved Customs commissioners Benin – 2023
- List of the officially approved Insurance Companies Benin – 2023
- List of the banks/Financial Institutes in Benin
- List of the approved Financial Institutes micro finance in Benin
- 2023 Updated List of Goods and services suppliers used by WFP Benin
- List of the Hydrocarbons companies Benin
Benin - 3.1 Fuel
Fuel Overview
Benin does not have fuel refineries or domestic oil production and is therefore a net importer of hydrocarbons.
The National Petroleum Marketing Company (SONACOP) is a single-member joint-stock company with the State of Benin, as its main shareholder. SONACOP is the only entity authorised to import fuel into Benin. It also stocks and distributes fuel and is the main fuel authority in the country. SONACOP has the following nominal storage capacity; 75,000 m3 for diesel, 45,000 m3 for petrol and 6,000 m3 for JET A1. There are installed facilities at Cotonou international Airport. Some old tankers are used to transport the fuel from the base the Cotonou port monthly to be offloaded and stocked at SONACOP facilities within the port zone.
Today there are more than seventeen companies operating in Benin. Among others: SONACOP, ORYX, SUPER OIL ARICOCHE, AGF, AFRIPETROL, EAO PETROLEUM, BP, E-Well etc. Bénin counts in 2023, more than 1 000 stations service and ‘’mini stations’’. This has tremendously been increased compared to 2016 due the Beninese government campaign against the contraband fuel business mainly observed for imported fuel from Nigerian and this can be also related to the oil subsidy removal by the Nigerian government this year 2023.
The private distributors are more than 17 (including Total/MRS PUMA Energy and MRS etc.) and can withdraw the quantities allocated to each one of them by submitting an order form. The companies can transport the fuel either using their own fleet or via their sub-contractors. There are government restrictions for any other agency to import fuel in Benin without the authorization from the SONACOP or to use any other entry point except Seme Krake Border, Hilaconji and Cotonou ports.
The payments can be made through bank transfers, cash and there are also possibilities with debit/credit. The Fuel stations generally close their operations in the evening at around 22:00 and re-open at 06:00 in the morning.
-
More information on government regulation on Hydrocarbons importation can be found below:
Fuel Pricing
Fuel Prices per Litre as of: 03 Oct. 2023 (local currency and USD - $) |
|
---|---|
Petrol |
XOF 680/ $1.097 |
Diesel |
XOF 700/ $ 1.119 |
Kerosene |
XOF 851/ $ 1.361 |
XOF 330/ $0.526 |
Seasonal Variations
Gasoline prices |
Price (XOF/Litre) |
Percent change |
---|---|---|
Feb 2024 |
680.00 |
- |
One month ago |
680.00 |
0.0 % |
Three months ago |
680.00 |
0.0 % |
Feb 2023 |
650.00 |
4.6 % |
For further information Source click here.
Seasonal Variations |
|
---|---|
Are there national priorities in the availability of fuel? (i.e. are there restrictions or priorities for the provision of fuel such as to the military?) |
Yes |
Is there a rationing system? |
Yes |
Is fuel to lower income / vulnerable groups subsidized? |
No |
Can the local industry expand fuel supply to meet humanitarian needs? |
Yes |
Is it possible for a humanitarian organization to directly contract a reputable supplier / distributor to provide its fuel needs? |
Yes |
Fuel Transportation
Fuel transportation is done either by the distributors or by their sub-contractors. Some service stations in the country might face shortage in supplies due to the bad roads and the delays that might occur during the rainy season. The official capacity of fuel on road transportation is between 5,000 Lts to 35,000 Lts.
Standards, Quality and Testing
There are national standards regulating the fuel quality in the country called Benin Agency of Metrology and Quality Control (ABMCQ), in charge of the JET A1 tests and all petroleum products.
Industry Control Measures |
|
---|---|
Do tanks have adequate protection against water mixing with the fuel? |
Yes |
Are there filters in the system which monitor where fuel is loaded into aircraft? |
Yes |
Is there adequate epoxy coating of tanks on trucks? |
Yes |
Is there a presence of suitable firefighting equipment? |
Yes |
Standards Authority |
|
---|---|
Is there a national or regional standards authority? |
Yes |
If yes, please identify the appropriate national and/or regional authority. |
National: Yes - L’Agence Béninoise de Métrologie et de Contrôle de la qualité (ABCMQ) Regional: Yes - L'Agence pour la Sécurité de la Navigation Aérienne en Afrique et à Madagascar (ASECNA) |
If yes, are the standards adequate/properly enforced? |
Yes |
Testing Laboratories |
|
---|---|
Are there national testing laboratories? |
Yes |
Fuel Quality Testing Laboratory |
|
---|---|
Company |
Yes |
Name |
|
Address |
Bureau Veritas Cotonou Lot 567 Zone Résidentielle Cotonou Ouest Zongo 08 BP 0658 Cotonou - Benin |
Telephone and Fax |
Tel: +229 21 31 99 88/ Fax: +229 21 31 63 72 |
Contact |
|
Standards Used |
+229 21 31 99 88 |
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
Benin - 3.2 Transporters
Transporters
The Benin Central Union of the Transporters is the main union in the country. The number of trucks in the country is sufficient for the local market. It is important to note that some transporters might not accept to operate on certain routes during the rainy season.
In Benin, the transporters sector is under the supervision of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT). The MIT has the mission to develop and ensure the implementation and monitoring-evaluation of the general policy of the State in matters of land, sea and fluvio-lagoon, and aerial transport as well as public works and other infrastructures, in accordance with the laws and regulations in place in the Republic of Benin. The main objectives of MIT are:
-
To initiate and conduct reflections and studies contributing to the definition of national policy and the implementation of strategies and actions related to its areas of competence.
-
To develop and ensure compliance with technical standards and regulations in all areas of its competence.
-
to assist local communities in the design, organization and management of activities in their areas of competence.
-
To ensure the planning, organization, monitoring and control of all actions in its areas of competence for the establishment and maintenance of transport infrastructure and the accessibility of people to basic services.
-
To promote and supervise professions related to transport and public works.
-
To contribute to the protection of the marine coast and the development of the fluvio-lagoon banks in the constant concern of integrated economic development and ecological preservation.
-
To monitor and evaluate the implementation of international and regional conventions and agreements relating to road, rail, air and public works transport.
There are primarily transport companies for the account of Goods, Cotton and Hinterlands Transit Companies and oil distribution companies. In addition, other transporters and drivers either obtain a direct contract or through several brokers associations and individuals to sub-contract the transport contracts of the firms. This more informal category of transporters is less organised though has recourse to local transporter associations or unions that monopolize the market, share and offer cargo to their members. In Cotonou Port and in different public markets, they are more visible than the formal transporters. Most of the local transport capacity in the country is from transporters referred to as 'les demarcheurs', who do not sometimes accept the affiliation and system set up by the trade union - the equipment and service of these carriers is often poor.
Some transporters overload since there are few weighing bridges in the country.
The time of cotton harvest in the north of the country has a big impact on the truck’s availability. The farmers and merchants are using the cheapest trucks owned by individuals or some small companies. Trucks suitable for their transport are mainly from 25 to 35 mt or less due to tricky road conditions from different locations (especially in the northwest and centre). It is difficult for heavier trucks (over 20 mt) to use many of the secondary and tertiary roads during the rainy season.
Transporter Contact List here.
Fédération des Syndicats et Entreprises des Transporteurs du Benin Transport Capacity Summary |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Regions Covered |
All 12 Departments |
||
|
Number of Vehicles |
Capacity per Vehicle (MT) |
Comments / Condition of Vehicles |
Pickups |
>9 |
2mt |
Said Good – But not visited |
Small 4x4 Trucks |
>22 |
4 mt |
Said Good – But not visited |
Normal 4x2 Trucks |
>66 |
N/A |
Said Good – But not visited |
6x6 & 6x4 Trucks |
120 |
N/A |
Said Good – But not visited |
HFO Tankers |
>21 |
N/A |
Said Good – But not visited |
LFO Tankers |
>18 |
N/A |
Said Good – But not visited |
20’ Trailers |
>31 |
N/A |
Said Good – But not visited |
40’ Trailers |
>76 |
N/A |
Said Good – But not visited |
Tipper Truck |
>29 |
32 m3 |
Said Good – But not visited |
Clip on Refer Generator |
>4 |
N/A |
Said Good – But not visited |
Low Bed Truck (hydraulic) |
>3 |
120 mt |
Said Good – But not visited |
Low Bed Truck |
>2 |
80 mt |
Said Good – But not visited |
Low Bed Truck |
> 3 |
60 mt |
Said Good – But not visited |
Total Capacity |
This is an illustration of the FSETRB capacity. |
|
|
A sample list of the transporting companies in Benin
# |
Company name |
Legal status |
Address |
Tel, |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
TRANSPORT DEYARI |
Ets |
Kandi/Baobab/maison Djibril |
94466803 |
|
2 |
SOCIETE LMA |
SARL |
Bakincoura, Parakou |
97760923 |
|
3 |
LE JOURDAIN |
SA |
PARAKOU CARREFOUR HUBERT MAGA |
97252263 |
|
4 |
IBN ALISON |
SA |
Ladjifarani/Parakou |
97687383 |
|
5 |
HEGBE TRANSPORT ET SERVICES |
SARL |
BOHICON |
97316738 |
|
6 |
HOUNWADO PLUS |
ETS |
SAVALOU |
97510444 |
|
7 |
Comptoir Africain des Services et Commerce International |
SARL |
BOHICON |
97285772 |
|
8 |
TOHINDE & Fils |
ETS |
LOKOSSA |
95420378 |
|
9 |
CAB |
ETS |
LOKOSSA |
97043060 |
|
10 |
KAIDEIDEI |
ETS |
DJOUGOU |
97989461 |
|
11 |
AMOU & FILS |
ETS |
TANGUIETA |
97241681 |
|
12 |
LATASA |
SARL |
TANGUIETA |
97242296 |
|
13 |
IKOUKOMON |
ETS |
TANGUIETA |
96679339 |
|
14 |
KPOMAHO TRANSPORT |
ETS |
TANGUIETA |
97242405 |
|
15 |
SOTRACOG |
SARL |
COTONOU |
97489942 |
|
16 |
SIFED |
SA |
07 BP 1231 CADJEHOUN COTONOU |
97984764 |
|
17 |
ALMO et FILS |
SA |
Abomey -Calavi, Von prison civil |
97644011 |
|
18 |
Africa Future Investments & Services |
SARL |
Godomey, Cotonou |
97067590 |
|
19 |
SEMAC |
SARL |
Porto Novo |
97187338 |
|
20 |
HJ Group |
SARL |
10 BP 403 Cotonou |
95951686 |
|
21 |
JANSEN |
ETS |
Abomey |
97370777 |
|
22 |
Dohanawa |
ETS |
Cotonou |
96229562 |
|
23 |
GILCD |
ETS |
Parakou |
87707258 |
|
24 |
DIEUPOURVOIERA |
ETS |
Cotonou |
97262424 |
|
25 |
LOKONON |
ETS |
BP 454 Bohicon |
97317444 |
|
26 |
AIGLE LOGISTICS |
SA |
Habitat AKPAKPA |
95952762 |
|
27 |
OTTC Omonlogo |
ETS |
Cadjehoun |
97988283 |
|
28 |
OLANICO |
ETS |
Aibatin |
96304234 |
|
29 |
DJIDOULA |
ETS |
Lokossa |
94397328 |
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
Benin - 3.3 Manual Labour
Manual Labour
In Benin as in almost of countries in west Africa, the Labour Code permits all workers (except military and paramilitary) to create and participate in labour organizations. Trade Unions and Benin Workers (UNSTB) is the main provider in Benin.
Several structures have been created in Benin and are operating in Benin. We can mention Benin Workers' Trade Union Centre (CSTB), Autonomous Trade Union Centre, (CSA), Benin General Confederation of Trade Union Centres, Benin Confederation of Independents Trade Union Centres, etc..., These structures have emerged since a government code has prevented the previously existing trade union monopoly of UNSTB.
However, they are all functioning independently in the Country. The largest labour organization remains the UNSTB which is collectively negotiating the decision and application of the law concerning salaried workers, including public sector civilian employees.
Benin is one of the most progressed countries in west Africa in term of trade worker centres as about 25% of the workforce are unionized.
The minimum working age is 18 and is enforced for large firms working in the formal economy. The workweek is technically 40 hours, but most people work more than that.
Further information here
Labour rules Benin
|
Cost |
Rate as of January 2023 |
---|---|---|
Daily General Worker (Unskilled casual labour) |
XOF 1 750/$ 2.79 |
XOF 52 650/ 84.21 |
Daily General Worker (Semi-skilled labour) |
XOF 2 860/ $4.57 |
XOF 85 800/ $ 137.23 |
Skilled Worker |
XOF 5 200/ $ 8.31 |
XOF 156 000/ $ 249.51 |
Benin - 3.4 Telecommunications
Telecommunications
The Ministry of Development of the Digital Economy and Posts of Benin has been created in Benin to reinforce strategically the government’s ambition to pursue and to achieve sub-regional integration through telecommunications and ICT, particularly through the interconnection of States and the establishment and maintenance of a common telecommunications network in the West Africa community.
With the economic crisis of the late 1980s, Benin, like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, was led to initiate a program of deregulation aimed ultimately to liberalize sectors formerly under a structure of public monopoly. To this end, and following different procedures, agencies have been created to regulate the sectors concerned, including the telecommunications sector. Thus, the telecommunications sector knows significant inflations since the end of the 1980s. The incumbent operator has been split into two separate entities: La Poste of Benin SA and Benin Telecom SA. Previously reduced to the old Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), telecommunications have been extended to mobile telephony and the Internet. Each market category is regulated by a different agency. The audio-visual and communication market are subject to ex ante regulation, provided for by the Constitution and provided by the High Authority for Audio-visual and Communication.
On the other hand, other markets, including the telecommunications market, experienced two-stage regulation. Before deregulation of the sector, the fixed-line, mobile and Internet markets were directly regulated by the ministry in charge of telecommunications. But with the advent of deregulation of the sector, these markets are now the subject of ex post regulation, created by Decree No. 2007-209, dated May 10, 2007, and provided by a regulatory agency called Transitional Authority of Regulation of Posts and Telecommunications (ATRPT).
The Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post of Benin (Arcep-Benin) has been created to provide public access to electronic communications services and quality postal services across the country at affordable prices. Arcep Benin's mission is to foster the emergence of the digital economy; to promote healthy competition in the electronic communications and postal market through efficient regulation; optimize the planning and management of scarce resources, including radio frequencies, and promote the development of the universal postal service through efficient regulation of the sector.
The ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) sector in Benin is experiencing incessant evolution, due to progressive investment in the development of infrastructure and services linked to this sector, leading in its wake to progress such as Internet connectivity has expanded, telecommunications networks have been modernized and access to IT has been promoted.
Beninese internet subscribers totaled, in January 2022, the figure of 3.66 million, which explains the 2.7% increase achieved compared to the previous year, in the sense that 29.0 % of the entire population has benefited from access to the internet, leaving, on the other hand, a majority of nearly 71.0%, still offline at the start of the year. It should be noted, however, that under the still palpable impact of COVID-19, it would be possible that the actual number of internet subscribers exceeds the reported figure.
Telephone Services |
|
---|---|
Is there an existing landline telephone network? |
Yes |
Does it allow international calls? |
Yes |
Number and Length of Downtime Periods (on average) |
N/A |
Mobile Phone Providers |
MTN, Moov Africa and CELTIIS |
Approximate Percentage of National Coverage |
85% of the 12 Departments (77 Districts) of Benin Territory |
Telecommunications Regulations
The importation and licensing of humanitarian communication equipment: VSAT, HF, VHF, Thurayas, etc. is regulated in accordance with full declaration to the authorities before the materials arrival and the MoU signed between the humanitarian agency and the government including the following information:
-
how to open the service;
-
geographical coverage;
-
the conditions of access;
-
the nature of the services provided by the service;
-
the rates that will be applied to users
The declaration form, duly completed, signed and stamped by the declarant or by the legal representative of the company:
-
a copy of the commercial or humanitarian register. This form is not required in the case of non-profit associations and Public Administrations and Institutions.
-
a legalized photocopy of the identity document of the declarant or, where applicable, his legal representative. This form is not required in the case of Public Administration and Establishment
-
the receipt for payment of file management fees fixed at one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) CFA francs, per service declared. But can be exonerated for the Humanitarian agencies.
It has been acted to establish after putting in place the ARCEP as the central body to license and regulate communications activities and services in the country and to provide for related purposes. All communications equipment imports require a clearance letter from that Authority. Securing a clearance letter prior to importation can help avoid delays at the port of entry.
Regulations on Usage and Import |
||
---|---|---|
|
Regulations in Place? |
Regulating Authority |
Satellite |
Yes |
Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post of Benin (ARCEP Benin) |
HF Radio |
Yes |
Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post of Benin (ARCEP Benin) |
UHF/VHF/HF Radio: Handheld, Base and Mobile |
Yes |
Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post of Benin (ARCEP Benin) |
UHF/VHF Repeaters |
Yes |
Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post of Benin (ARCEP Benin) |
GPS |
Yes |
Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post of Benin (ARCEP Benin) |
VSAT |
Yes |
Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post of Benin (ARCEP Benin) |
Individual Network Operator Licenses Required |
||
Yes |
||
Frequency Licenses Required |
||
Yes |
Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems
Existing UN Telecommunication Systems |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UNDP |
WFP |
UNICEF |
WHO |
FAO |
IOM |
VHF Frequencies |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
HF Frequencies |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
Locations of Repeaters |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
VSAT |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Several private internet services providers are available in the country.
Internet Service Providers |
||
---|---|---|
Are there ISPs available? |
Yes |
|
If yes, are they privately or government owned? |
Yes |
|
Dial-up only? |
No |
|
Approximate Rates (local currency and USD - $) |
Dial-up |
|
Broadband |
|
|
Max Leasable ‘Dedicated’ Bandwidth |
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
There three mobile network operators in the country: MTN, Moov Africa and most recent one CELTIIS
For information on MNOs in Benin please visit here
Company |
Number of Agent Outlets by Area |
Network Strength by Area |
Contracted for Humanitarian or Government Cash Transfer Programmes? |
Services Offered (i.e. Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement, Receive & Make Payment) |
---|---|---|---|---|
MTN |
No information |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Moov Africa |
No information |
Yes |
Yes |
|
CELTIIS |
No information |
No |
No |
3.5 Benin Food and Additional Suppliers
Overview
Benin is open to foreign trade, with international trade accounting for 70% of GDP (2017 World Bank data). The country is a member of various trade organizations including the WTO and UEMOA (West African Economic and Monetary Union). There is an immense possibility to procure food and other non-food items from on the local markets, depending on the commodity itself. The local market can meet demands and scale up if required. Most goods that are traded pass through the port of Cotonou. In 2015, an external tariff common to all of ECOWAS was introduced.
The trend of structural trade deficit for Benin is expected to continue in 2018. Exports are mostly composed of low-cost agricultural products. The country is largely dependent on imports for, especially for its supply of oil and electricity. The trade deficit fell to $ 1.22 billion in 2016 as imports fell at a faster pace than exports. The steady growth of cotton production might partially reduce the trade deficit. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Analysis of Benin (INSAE), exports amounted to 80.98 million XOF in Q4 2017 (an increase of 165.5% compared to the same period of the previous year), while imports increased by 483.63 million XOF at the same time (an increase of 12.7%).
Local manufacturers face some challenges of electricity costs, but can accommodate the multiple demands from different layers of the populations.
Benin's primary exports are cotton, cashew nuts, coconuts, Brazil nuts, shea nuts, boats, cement, textile products and seafood to India, Niger, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Bangladesh. The main imported products are foodstuffs (rice, meat), petroleum products, electricity, drugs and capital goods from France, China, India, Thailand. Benin is also very active in re-export, mainly to Nigeria.
In 2016, the key exports, imports and the trade balance were presented as below
- Imported $4.75B, making it the 128th largest importer in the world. During the last five years the imports of Benin have decreased at an annualized rate of -13.3%, from $9.5B in 2011 to $4.75B in 2016. The most recent imports are led by Rice which represent 19.8% of the total imports of Benin, followed by Palm Oil, which account for 5.98%
- Exported $1.11B, making it the 146th largest exporter in the world. During the last five years the exports of Benin have decreased at an annualized rate of -0.7%, from $1.14B in 2011 to $1.11B in 2016. The most recent exports are led by Gold which represent 34.4% of the total exports of Benin, followed by Raw Cotton, which account for 17.9%.
- Trade balance was negative of $3.65B in net imports. As compared to their trade balance in 1995 when it still had a negative trade balance of $554M in net imports.
(Source available here)
Smaller private companies are owned by citizens of Benin, and some companies are of foreign origin, mainly French and Lebanese. Private commercial and agricultural sectors remain the main contributors to growth. Benin was affected by the global economic crisis in 2008/2009, seeing its growth rate halved from 5.0% in 2008 to 2.7% in 2009 and 2.6% in 2010. After this slowdown, Benin experienced a moderate recovery to 3.5% in 2011. In 2012, Benin's average monthly income per capita was $ 63, or $750 per year.
The manufacturing sector is primarily involved in processing commodities and the production of consumer goods. The recent World Bank report "Doing Business 2016" ranked Benin for the second time among the 10 most reforming countries in the world. In 2015, Benin recorded three reforms in terms of business creation indicators, building permits and cross-border trade.
For a general overview of country data related to the service and supply sectors, please consult the following source: Benin - The Observatory of Economic Complexity – MIT (OEC)
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
Benin - 3.5.1 Food Suppliers
For further information about retail market in Benin (November 2023) click here
Types of Retailers Available |
|
---|---|
Type of Retailer |
Rank (1-5) where 1 is the most commonly used by the population, and 5 is the least commonly used |
Supermarket – concentrates mainly in supplying a range of food, beverage, cleaning and sanitation products; have significant purchasing power; are often part of national/regional/global chains. |
5 |
Convenience Store/Mini Market – medium sized shop; offers a more limited range of products than supermarkets; usually has good/stable purchasing power; may be part of chain or cooperative. |
4 |
Permanent shop with important supply capacity – individually/family-owned store; usually offers few commodities and a limited selection of brands; good storage and reliable supply options. |
3 |
Permanent shop with limited supply capacity – individually/family-owned store; offers fewe commodities and a limited selection of brands; limited storage and unstable supply options. |
1 |
Mobile Shop/Market Stand – individually/family owned store; usually offers few commodities and a limited selection of brands; may be found at outdoor markets, camps or unstable environments. |
1 |
Wholesale
Most wholesalers are based in Cotonou and some principal towns but can be found in all cities. The wholesalers that are listed in contact list 4.10 can be requested to deliver throughout the country if required.
Supplier Overview |
|
---|---|
Company Name |
Suppliers of cereals, pulses, sugar, edible oils, sugar, salt and more |
Address |
Cotonou, Porto Novo, Ouida, Bohicon, Parakou, Natitingou, Djougou and Savé. |
Does the supplier have its own production / manufacturing capacity?
|
Few suppliers have their own chain of production in the sense that it makes up most of the supply. Will usually collect food in areas where they are known. |
Does the supplier have its own retail capacity?
|
Most will combine retail and wholesale in the city where they are based. Import based wholesalers are more likely to specialise. Some wholesalers will have extensive networks. |
Does the supplier have its own transport capacity? |
Some have their own transport capacity. All listed in page 4.10 Benin Supplier Contact List can arrange transport. |
Does the supplier have its own storage facilities? |
The suppliers listed in section 4.10 Benin Supplier Contact List have storage facilities, either rented or owned. |
Approximate Turnover in MT
|
Most wholesalers in the contact list 4.10 Benin Supplier Contact List can be relied on for tonnages up to 1,000 mt per procurement but may encounter problems if this limit is exceeded. For quantities surpassing 1,000 mt wholesalers such as ETG SARL, Sociéte Sherika Oluwa Toyin, Société DIFEZI et Fils, have the capacity to meet demands. |
Payment Methods Accepted |
Cash, bank transfer, checks |
Other Comments or Key Information |
Taxes are applicable on the market’s transactions in Benin |
.
Other Locations |
|
---|---|
Region(s) |
Service Location(s) |
Littoral – Louémé-Zou-Borgou- Atakora, etc. |
Cotonou (Littoral), Porto Novo (Louémé), Bohicon (Zou), Parakou (Borgou), Natitingou (Atakora) |
Plateau - Donga- Alibori- Atlantique |
Pobè- Djougou- Kandi- Ouida |
Primary Goods / Commodities Available |
||
---|---|---|
Commodities by Type** (SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title) |
Comments |
|
00 - Live animals (other than fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc.) |
i.e. sheep and goats, swine, poultry… |
Can be obtained through marketplaces throughout the country. Mostly cattle, sheep, cows. The biggest market offerings are from June to February. Pig farms are established for all months of the year but have more offering in December during the end of year seasonal holidays. |
01 - Meat and meat preparations |
i.e meat of bovine animals, meat of sheep, dried or smoked meat of swine, sausages… |
Locally produced all year long. Can be obtained through Abattoirs of Cotonou and in the main towns or through wholesalers such as Miseboo, Akpakpa Markets and the Supermarkets. |
02 - Dairy products and birds’ eggs |
i.e. milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, eggs… |
Local production. Benin doesn’t have an industrial of milk production. The traditional technology of production of Fulani cheese called waragashi occupies an important place in the artisanal processing of fresh milk. |
03 - Fish (not marine mammals), crustaceans, molluscs… |
i.e. fish (chilled or frozen), fish (salted or in brine), fish liver and roes… |
Obtainable through markets (local fishery) and supermarkets and small wholesalers linked to the port of Cotonou and the local fishers in the lakes, rivers. |
04 - Cereals and cereal preparations |
i.e. wheat, rice, flour of maize, pasta... |
Maize, rice, sorghum and millet are locally produced, other products are imported. The larger wholesalers can be found in the contact list 4.10 Benin Supplier Contact List. |
05 - Vegetables and fruit |
i.e. vegetables, fruit and nuts, jams/jellies, fruit juices… |
Mostly imported. Some quantities of fruits, mangoes, oranges, onions are local produced. They can be found through retailers and local markets. |
06 - Sugars, sugar preparations and honey |
i.e. sugars (beet or cane) raw, natural honey, fruit/nuts preserved by sugar … |
Brown sugar is produced in Benin, but not in enough quantity to be exported on regular basis. Benin imports other sugars. The local honey as well. The larger import wholesalers can be found in the contact list 4.10 Benin Supplier Contact List. |
07 - Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof |
i.e. coffee, cocoa, chocolate, tea, mate, pepper… |
Some quantities produced in Benin. But the quantity is insufficient. The largest quantity is Imported. The larger import wholesalers can be found in the contact list 4.10 Benin Supplier Contact List. |
09 - Miscellaneous edible products and preparations |
i.e. ready-to-eat foods, margarine, sauces, soups and broths, yeasts… |
Will produce ready-to-eat foods locally. |
41 - Animal oils and fats |
i.e. lard, fats and oils… |
Some small societies have been mentioned as producer of ready-to-eat foods locally, around Cotonou and Porto Novo. |
42/43 - Fixed vegetable fats and oils, crude, refined or fractionated |
i.e. soya bean oil, olive oil, maize oil, vegetable oil… |
Fludor in Bohicon has a processing factory for edible oils. |
**For non-food products please see section 3.5.2 Additional Suppliers, and for FUEL/PETROLEUM products please see section 3.1 Fuel.
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
Yamaya Supermarché
For more information on food supplier contact details, please see the following link
Retail Sector
The retail market in Benin has been growing in recent years, especially around Porto Novo and Cotonou. In fact, outside of bigger towns most Beninese still buying from local markets (for the food that they cannot cultivate themselves by subsistence farming). Most products sold in supermarkets are imported and thus more expensive: Mainly accessible for the population who have a higher suitable income. In general, Beninese population buy essential products in local markets (e.g., Dantokpa Market in Cotonou), and non-basic products in supermarkets (like meat, cosmetics, etc.).
Erevan Bénin is the biggest distribution chain in the country, and it operates in partnership with the French firm, Carrefour.
The main supermarket chains active in Benin include:
Attidza
CBND
Erevan Hypermarché
Étoile
Mayfair
Megamart
Starlight
Unidis
Benin - 3.5.2 Additional Suppliers
Overview
In Benin, some construction materials such as cements (by Ciments du Benin, Nouvelle Cimenterie du Benin, etc..) are produced in place. Some materials like irons, roof, water pumps, tents, pipes, computer / IT equipment and office furniture are imported and mostly procured internationally. The above stated commodities can be found at marketplaces and at retailers listed in the contact sections of this assessment.
There is very little manufacturing in Benin. The biggest zones of factories are in Nigeria and most of the stock and equipment come from Nigerian markets.
Strategically, for humanitarian organisations there is an UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) based in Accra, Ghana to cover needs in the region.
For more information on suppliers’ contact details, please see the following link.
Primary Goods / Commodities Available |
||
---|---|---|
Commodities by Type** (SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title) |
Comments |
|
24/27 - Crude materials, inedible, except fuel |
i.e. fuel wood, crude fertilizers, sand/stone/gravel |
Locally available |
51 to 59 - Chemical and related products |
i.e. chlorine, pharmaceuticals, soaps, plastic tubes/pipes, chemical fertilizers |
Imported to Benin markets |
61 to 69 - Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
i.e. rubber tyres, wood pallets, textiles, cement, iron/steel pipe fittings, copper wire, metal tanks |
Imported to Benin markets |
71 to 79 - Machinery and transport equipment |
i.e. engine/machine parts, generators, sewing machines, pumps, telecoms equipment, vehicles |
Imported to Benin markets |
81 to 89 - Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
i.e. prefabricated buildings, lighting fixtures, furniture, clothing, medical/surgical instruments |
Imported to Benin markets |
91/93/96/97 - Commodities not classified elsewhere |
|
Imported to Benin markets |
**For FOOD products please see section 3.5.1 Food Suppliers, and for FUEL/PETROLEUM products please see section 3.1 Fuel.
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
Benin - 3.6 Additional Service Providers
Benin - 3.7 Waste Management and Recycling Infrastructure Assessment
Overview
Waste management and disposal services are still underdeveloped. The municipalities in the larger cities are responsible for waste management and collecting. In all big towns the collecting capacities are generally not sufficient, there is a lack of effective sensitization of people, undeveloped and uncontrolled rubbish dumps, lack of gutters and maintenance, and insufficient and unqualified human resources. The authorities also denounce the attitude and behaviour of the citizens on handling waste. The waste evacuation is done by municipal collecting or by depositing in wild rubbish dumps. Some people eliminate their waste by burning or dumping in the streets or in their houses. There is a recycling, treatment centre/programme in the country, but with a limited capacity.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Hazardous waste is burned and supposed to be buried. The Sanitary police is responsible for authorizing the disposal and overseeing the process. The process seems to be mostly ad-hoc due to the lack of formalised procedures. Commonly a relatively secured area is selected, the waste burned with varying effort made to assure the destruction and left as debris. Treatment of industrial waste is left to the discretion of the company producing it. Rules and regulation are not well developed, and enforcement is not in place. Sewage water will in affluent areas be amassed in tankers and be collected for burying. In less affluent areas of cities there are open sewers.
Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal
Non-hazardous waste is either burned or put in open landfills. Disposal of food that is unfit for human and animal consumption is either buried or burned. For disposal of food items, authorisation is required from the sanitary police (the regulating agency) and the disposal will be done under the Government section supervision.
Disclaimer: Registration does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP/Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please Note: WFP/Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
4 Benin Contact Lists
In the following subsections the contact details for Benin will be presented.
Benin - 4.1 Government Contact List
Government Contact List
Benin official link to the web site of the government ministry members.
Benin - 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List
Humanitarian Agency Contact List
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 - 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Companies Contact List
Laboratory and Quality Testing Companies Contact List
Company |
Physical Address |
Phone Number (office) |
Phone Number (mobile) |
Fax Number |
Description of Services |
Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bureau Veritas Benin |
Zongo-Ehuzu, Rue 247, Cotonou |
Tel: +229 21 31 99 88 |
Tél : + 229 21 31 99 89 |
Fax : + 229 21 31 63 72 |
Expertise in Supervision of Imports, Laboratory & Superintendence |
|
SGS BENIN (SOCIETE GENERALE DE SURVEILLANCE) |
C/N° Lot 11, Patte D'oie |
Tél : +229 21 30 07 09 |
Tél : +229 21 30 45 00 |
Fax: +229 21 30 19 46
|
Expertise in Supervision of Imports, Laboratory & Superintendence |
|
COTECNA BENIN |
08 BP 752 |
Tel : +229 21 31 67 10 |
|
Fax: (+229) 21 31 67 12 |
Expertise in Supervision of Imports & Superintendence |
|
SGS BENIN (SOCIETE GENERALE DE SURVEILLANCE) |
C/N° Lot 11, Patte D'oie 08 BP 605 Cotonou - Benin |
Tél : +229 21 30 07 09 |
|
Fax: +229 21 30 19 46 |
Expertise in Supervision of Imports & Superintendence |
|
CEM BENIN (COMPAGNIE DES EXPERTS MARITIMES DU BENIN) |
1er carrefour, immeuble CEM à droite, Akpakpa Sodjatinmé - 01 BP 269 Cotonou - Benin |
Tel: +229 21 37 46 16 |
Tel: _229 21 37 46 17 |
Fax : +229 21 37 47 12 |
Expertise in Supervision of Imports & Superintendence |
|
BSO (Benin Standard Organization) |
Central laboratory House Rue 333 Gbegamey Cotonou, Littoral, Benin Republic |
Tel: +229 56 86 15 26 |
Tel: +229 56 86 12 49 |
|
Quatity testing and control food and drugs |
Benin - 4.4 Ports and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port Name |
Company |
Physical Address |
Website |
|
Phone Number (office) |
Phone Number (mobile) |
Fax Number |
Key Role |
Description of Duties |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Port Autonome de Cotonou |
Cotonou Terminal |
Avenue de la marina |
Autonome Port of Cotonou website
|
|
Tél : +229 21312193 |
Tel : +229 90 25 78 95 |
+229 21 31 28 90 |
Administration |
Management of the Container Terminal |
Benin - 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List
Benin - 4.6 Storage and Milling Companies Contact List
Storage and Milling Companies Contact List
Company |
Physical Address |
Website |
|
Phone Number (office) |
Fax Number |
Key Role |
Description of Duties |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LES MOULINS DU GOLFE SA |
Cotonou, Zone industrielle, Kpakpa |
+22921331004 |
Fax : +229 21 33 28 26 |
Wheat Milling |
Milling |
||
SODECO SA (SOCIETE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DU COTON) |
Boulevard de la CEN-SAD, Rue 918, Immeuble Fagace, Bat B |
|
+229 21 30 95 39
|
|
Cotton (production and transformation) |
Cotton gin |
|
GRANDS MOULIN DU BENIN |
Jack, Rue 1682 |
|
+22921330817
|
Fax : +22921330149 |
Management |
Grands Moulins du Benin |
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
Benin - 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List
Fuel Providers Contact List
Fuel Providers contact list via this link.
Benin - 4.8 Transporter Contact List
Benin - 4.9 Railway Companies Contact List
Benin - 4.10 Supplier Contact List
Benin - 4.11 Additional Services Contact List
Benin - 5 Annexes
Annexes
The following section contains annexes with additional information for the BENIN LCA.
Benin - 5.1 Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronym |
Full Name |
---|---|
ANCQ |
Agence Nationale de Contrôle de Qualité |
ANM |
L’Agence Nationale de Normalisation, de Métrologie et du Contrôle Qualité |
ACECNA |
Agence pour la Sécurité de la Navigation Aérienne en Afrique et à Madagascar |
ARCEP |
Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques, des Postes et de la Distribution de la Presse |
AWB |
Airway Bill |
BL |
Bill of Lading |
C&F |
Cost & Freight |
CAA |
Civil Aviation Authority |
CARE |
Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere |
CFS |
Container Freight Stations |
DGD |
Direction Générale des Douanes |
FAO |
Food and Agriculture Organization |
GPRS |
General Pocket Radio Service |
GRT |
Gross Register Tonnage |
IATA |
International Air Transport Association |
ICAO |
International Civil Aviation Organization |
IDPs |
Internally Displaced Persons |
ILS |
Instrument Landing System |
IMF |
International Monetary Fund |
INGO |
International NGO |
IOM |
International Organization for Migration |
ISPs |
Internet Service Providers |
KVA |
Kilo Volt Ampere |
LCA |
Logistics Capacity Assessment |
MOU |
Memorandum of Understanding |
MT |
Metric Tons |
MW |
Megawatt |
N/A |
Not Available |
NDB |
Non-directional beacon |
NFI |
Non-food Items |
NGO |
Non-governmental Organization |
OCHA |
Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |
OCBN |
Organisation Commune Bénin-Niger |
PAC |
Port Autonome de Cotonou |
RC |
Resident Coordinator |
RoRo |
Roll on Roll off |
SBEE |
Société Béninoise d'Energie Electrique |
SONEB |
Société Nationale des Eaux du Bénin |
T |
Tons |
T&D |
Transmission and Distribution |
TEUs |
Twenty Foot Equivalent Units |
THC |
Terminal Handling Charge |
UEMOA |
Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine |
UNAIDS |
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS |
UNCT |
United Nations Country Team |
UNDP |
United Nations Development Programme |
UNEP |
United Nations Environmental Programme |
UNESCO |
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
UNFPA |
United Nations Population Fund |
UNHAS |
United Nations Humanitarian Air Service |
UNHCR |
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |
UNICEF |
United Nations Children's Fund |
(V)HF |
(Very) High Frequency |
VOR |
VHF omnidirectional radio range |
V-SAT |
Very Smart Aperture Terminal |
WASH |
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene |
WCO |
World Customs Organization |
WFP |
World Food Programme |
WB |
World Bank |
WHO |
World Health Organization |