The Ivorian Council of Ministers adopted a new policy on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, aimed at modernizing logistics at the Port of Abidjan by introducing barge transport within port waters.
This strategic shift is designed to alleviate chronic port congestion and significantly reduce the volume of heavy trucks currently saturating the road networks of the nation’s economic capital. By moving a substantial share of container traffic via waterways, the government expects to optimize the port’s operational efficiency while simultaneously improving urban mobility for the city’s residents.
This initiative is part of a broader structural reorganization of traffic flows throughout Abidjan. To ensure the success of this multimodal approach, the government plans to establish dedicated logistics zones and mandate specific routes for heavy-duty vehicles. A central component of this plan is a new restriction that will prohibit trucks from crossing the city center, instead forcing them to utilize designated corridors to minimize disruptions to daily traffic.
The implementation of this policy also creates new avenues for private sector investment. The Council of Ministers has confirmed that all interested operators may now apply for accreditation to provide barge services. These authorizations will be managed by the Ministry of Transport, providing an invitation for logistics stakeholders to invest in more sustainable and efficient transport solutions. By separating heavy freight from urban traffic, Ivorian authorities aim to strike a balance between maintaining the port as an economic lifeline and enhancing the overall quality of life for those living and working in Abidjan.
AP/Sf/lb/abj/APA