Autonomous Port of Abidjan: Performance and Reforms for Sustained Growth
In 2024, the Autonomous Port of Abidjan (PAA) recorded exceptional performance, achieving a total traffic of 40 million tons, which represents an increase of over 15% compared to the 34.7 million tons of the previous year. This growth reflects the dynamism of the Ivorian port infrastructure and its central role in trade exchanges in West Africa.
Several strategic reforms have been implemented to achieve these results. Among them, the extension of the docks and the commissioning, in November 2022, of a second container terminal, "Côte d’Ivoire Terminal," 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 allowed for the accommodation of larger vessels, such as the container ship MSC ALIYA, 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 momentum 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 milestone of 2 million TEUs by 2027, incorporating initiatives such as infrastructure modernization and the digitalization of operations. These efforts aim to consolidate the port's position as a major logistics hub in West Africa, meeting the growing needs of regional and international economic operators.
Furthermore, the PAA has been recognized for its economic and financial performance by receiving the award for excellence in governance and performance of public enterprises in 2024. This recognition highlights the financial strength of the institution and its commitment to efficient management.
On the eve of its 75th anniversary, the Autonomous Port of Abidjan continues to position itself as a strategic pillar of Ivorian economic development, reinforcing its role as an essential regional hub for international trade.
Source: Agence Ecofin, MEPD Web Portal Editorial Team
