Cotonou’s Zongo parking welcomes first trucks, revolutionizing port logistics

Friday, May 22, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for road transport and port traffic management across Bénin. The General Directorate of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou (PAC) has officially inaugurated the brand-new Zongo Parking, a cutting-edge facility designed to alleviate city congestion and significantly enhance working conditions for heavy goods vehicle drivers.

ending gridlock: a 700-space giant at the port’s doorstep

Strategically positioned immediately adjacent to the port area, Zongo Parking is now the mandatory entry point for large-capacity trucks and transit logistics flows. The days of chaotic parking along the Marina Boulevard are over. With an impressive capacity of approximately 700 spaces, this 13-hectare buffer terminal was specifically conceived to absorb the massive influx of heavy goods vehicles that daily fuel the economic powerhouse of Bénin and the wider sub-region, serving nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

Featuring exceptionally spacious maneuvering zones and intelligently designed roundabouts, the site ensures seamless vehicle movement, substantially reducing the risk of minor collisions and the stress associated with parking these road behemoths.

digitalization at the core of performance

A key strength of Zongo Parking lies in its advanced technological infrastructure. Fully digitalized and seamlessly integrated with the Single Window for Foreign Trade (GUCE), the facility offers intelligent flow management.

Transporters and logistics companies can now:

• Reserve their parking space online in advance, enabling superior planning.
• Process parking fee payments through secure digital platforms, eliminating time-consuming waits at physical counters.
• Benefit from real-time vehicle entry and exit monitoring, thanks to an advanced video surveillance system and automated guidance.

a true ‘living space’ for drivers

Beyond its function as a technical storage area, port authorities have placed significant emphasis on the social and human aspect through the “Rangazongo” project—a dedicated living space for truck drivers. Recognizing the demanding nature of long inter-state journeys, the port management has incorporated premium infrastructure for user comfort:

“This parking lot changes everything. We are no longer just parking trucks; we are welcoming individuals who need to rest and recover to safely resume their journeys.”

The complex includes modern sanitary blocks and showers, dedicated rest areas, relaxation zones, and catering facilities. Continuously secured by a rigorous access control system and high-performance lighting, the site guarantees maximum safety for drivers and their valuable cargo.

strengthening a regional logistics hub, including for Niger trade

Funded as part of the extensive modernization plan for the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, this nearly 25 billion FCFA project underscores Bénin’s ambition to solidify its position as an indispensable logistics hub in West Africa. By streamlining port access through a single, centralized entry point, Zongo Parking promises to accelerate operational efficiency and sustainably enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Cotonou. This development significantly benefits regional trade, including goods destined for Niger.

For transporters, the era of interminable waits on Cotonou’s asphalt concludes today, making way for efficiency, comfort, and modernity.