Port Autonome d'Abidjan: Performance and Reforms for Sustained Growth

In 2024, the Port Autonome d'Abidjan (PAA) recorded outstanding performance, reaching a total traffic volume of 40 million tons, a more than 15% increase compared to the 34.7 million tons from the previous year. This growth reflects the dynamism of Côte d'Ivoire's port infrastructure and its central role in West Africa's trade exchanges.

Several strategic reforms have been implemented to achieve these results. Among them, the extension of the docks and the commissioning of a second container terminal, "Côte d'Ivoire Terminal," in November 2022, have significantly increased the port's capacity. This new terminal, with an annual capacity of 1.5 million TEUs and a draft of 16 meters, has enabled the port to accommodate larger vessels, such as the MSC ALIYA container ship with a capacity of 14,300 TEUs. These improvements have led to a significant increase in containerized freight volumes, rising from 840,926 TEUs in 2022 to 1.6 million TEUs in 2024.

This growth positions the PAA in direct competition with major West African ports. The Port of Lomé, in Togo, recorded 1.91 million TEUs in 2023, while the Port of Tema, in Ghana, reached 1.9 million TEUs in 2024.

To maintain its competitiveness, the PAA aims to reach the 2 million TEU mark by 2027, incorporating initiatives such as infrastructure modernization and the digitalization of operations. These efforts aim to solidify the port’s position as a major logistics hub in West Africa, meeting the growing needs of regional and international business operators.

Furthermore, the PAA was recognized for its economic and financial performance by receiving the Excellence Award for Governance and Public Enterprise Performance in 2024. This recognition underscores the institution’s financial strength and commitment to efficient management.

As it approaches its 75th anniversary, the Port Autonome d'Abidjan continues to establish itself as a strategic pillar of Côte d'Ivoire's economic development, solidifying its role as an essential regional hub for international trade.