As a strategic player among African ports, the Port Authority of Cotonou (PAC) welcomed a delegation from the United States Coast Guard on January 14 and 15, 2026. This working mission forms part of efforts to strengthen port security—an essential issue for the performance of the African port sector and the safeguarding of African maritime trade.
A mission focused on the security of African port infrastructure
The visit of the U.S. Coast Guard to the Port Authority of Cotonou comes against a regional backdrop marked by growing security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. Over two days, American experts and PAC teams carried out a series of technical assessments aimed at ensuring the port’s compliance with applicable international standards.
This initiative reflects Benin’s ambition to position the Port of Cotonou as a reliable maritime hub in West Africa, capable of meeting the requirements of maritime transport in Africa and the expectations of international investors.
ISPS compliance and audit of port procedures
Assessment of international security standards
At the heart of the mission was an evaluation of the PAC’s compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This certification remains an essential prerequisite for ports across the African continent engaged in port modernization and the improvement of port performance in Africa.
Review of control and surveillance systems
Discussions also focused on an in-depth audit of control, surveillance, and access management procedures. These systems are critical to port logistics in Africa, ensuring operational fluidity while reducing security risks.
Bilateral cooperation in support of African maritime trade
The mission is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Benin and the United States in the field of port governance in Africa. Beyond regulatory compliance, the objective is to sustainably secure trade flows along African logistics corridors linking Benin’s hinterland to regional and international markets.
This collaboration also helps enhance the attractiveness of the Port of Cotonou for shipping lines, logistics operators, and investors involved in port investments in Africa.
Knowledge sharing and capacity building
The working sessions enabled in-depth exchanges of best practices in port security. Teams at the Port of Cotonou benefited from feedback aimed at improving their responsiveness to contemporary threats. This transfer of expertise contributes to the development of ports in Africa by strengthening human capital—an essential pillar of the African maritime economy.
Security as a competitiveness lever for the African port sector
For the Port Authority of Cotonou, security goes beyond regulatory compliance. It represents a key trust factor for international partners and a strategic lever of competitiveness for Benin’s economy.
In a highly competitive regional environment, the ability of African port infrastructure to deliver high security standards determines their sustainable integration into global logistics chains. In this respect, the PAC’s initiative illustrates the ongoing drive toward professionalization and modernization across the African port sector, with a direct impact on the economic development of West Africa and the continent as a whole.