How we helped Benin become the highest rated port in West Africa

Annually, the World Bank releases a ranking known as the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), which evaluates the efficiency of countries in managing international trade logistics. The LPI highlights the strengths and areas for improvement in countries' trade facilitation efforts.

According to the 2023 LPI, Benin now ranks as West Africa's top port, surpassing all ports in the region, and holds the third-highest rating in the whole of Africa, following only Egypt and South Africa.

The background

In 2017, Webb Fontaine embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with Benin's Ministry of Finance and Benin Control, igniting a revolutionary trade reform program aimed at modernising and streamlining the nation's trade landscape.

Benin acts as a crucial transit route for West Africa, connecting over 100 million people in the landlocked countries of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and the northern regions of Nigeria.

To enhance this important trade route, the Benin government are committed to becoming one of the regions most technologically advanced trade environments and their long-standing partnership with Webb Fontaine is a true testament to that.

 

 

The action

Benin strategically adopted a suite of innovative solutions including Webb Single Window, Webb Transit Tracking, Webb Valuation, Webb Ports and Customs Webb. And while each solution plays a pivotal role in transforming trade in Benin, the impact from Webb Single Window stands out with remarkable results.

Through the introduction of Webb Single Window, we created GUCE Benin, a digital platform with over 6,500 users, connecting all stakeholders in the logistics chain. The platform facilitates import, export, transit operations and incorporates electronic payment via Paylican, our official payments partner.

Going beyond conventional Port Community Systems, Webb Single Window automates the processing of essential administrative operations. This includes issuing licenses and authorisations, overseeing currency exchange operations, managing exemptions, and communicating with tax services. By improving efficiency, Benin can ensure optimal fiscal recovery, safeguarding revenues for both the private and public sectors.

The results

In line with the government’s ambitions, this partnership has allowed Benin to reap the benefits of Webb Fontaine’s trade technology. This has drastically increased the World Bank "Quality of Service" indicator which measures the logistics efficiency and dwell time. Since the introduction of GUCE Benin, and specifically with the implementation of port logistics modules, the Port of Cotonou has seen a remarkable 30% decrease in release times.

Benin's rise in ranking has positioned it as the preferred trade port in West Africa, surpassing all other ports in the region. Importers of neighbouring countries favour Benin’s port due to logistical convenience. Benin now stands as the third highest-rated port in Africa, behind only Egypt and South Africa.

Through partnering with Webb Fontaine, Benin will continue to drive economic growth and operational efficiency, solidifying it’s position as the preferred port in West Africa.

450 bn

F.CFA in domestic revenue secured by the state in 2022

30%

increase in “Quality of Service” indicator

6,500+

users using Webb Single Window in the logistics chain

50%

of containers released within 2 days

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Solutions implemented

Webb Customs

The ultimate customs management system.

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Webb Single Window

Facilitate and optimise all trade operations in one place

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Webb Valuation

Accurate valuation and classification of goods

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Webb Transit Tracking

Complete visibility of goods in transit

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Webb Ports

Streamline port operations and improve communication

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Paylican

Our official payments partner

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