The Beninese authorities announced on Wednesday the creation of a new handling company which will be in charge of managing the multipurpose terminal and the bulk terminal at the port of Cotonou.
The decision was taken by the Council of Ministers, held the same day, during which the government noted the fact that the ongoing modernization of the port of Cotonou is leading to the reorganization of port activities around three main terminals, namely a multi-purpose terminal , a container terminal and a bulk terminal under construction, according to the statement issued after the meeting.
“Such a context calls for more professionalism and specialization of the actors, then requires the mobilization of significant financial resources by the handlers”, estimated the Council chaired by the Head of State, Patrice Talon.
The choice to create a new company to meet these challenges “has the double advantage of allowing the port to benefit from the expertise of the strategic partner, its shipping network which will lead to an increase in port traffic and its capacity to mobilize the financing necessary for the acquisition of modern handling equipment”, states the text.
The new company which “will be a mixed economy with its capital supported by the State and a strategic partner of international reference”, will take over from the Beninese Port Handling Company (SOBEMAP).
According to the authorities, SOBEMAP demonstrates a “low level of competitiveness” due to “its status as a public company which does not facilitate flexibility and adaptation to the requirements of international maritime trade”, and “too much low investment capacity which does not allow it to adapt its equipment to the needs of the maritime industry in perpetual change as well as the structure of its operating costs”.
The government thus plans to proceed with the dissolution of SOBEMAP, to appoint its liquidator and to initiate the process of creating the new joint handling company, the statement concludes.
By OMA Newsletter N° 961 of 02/12/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
