INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cloud
How cloud solution provider , Webb Fontaine digitised operations for port of Cotonou
From green logistics to fair trade and circular economy principles , sustainable trade practices have a significant positive impact on global and local trade . African countries that understand and embrace these requirements are well on their way to laying the groundwork for sustainable trade practices .
As an example , the port of Cotonou in the West African country of Benin handles an average of 80 to 90 merchant vessels monthly . According to the African Development Bank , Cotonou deals with 90 % of the country ’ s international trade , serving up to 100 million consumers . In 2022 , the port handled 12.5 million tonnes of goods , a figure that is predicted to almost double by 2038 , reaching 23 million tonnes .
Benin has now jumped to 66th place on the World Bank ’ s Logistics Performance Index , an astonishing leap of approximately 100 places in just under a decade , positioning the country as West Africa ’ s key trade hub .
But this was not always the case . High shipping costs , low efficiency , and poor logistical facilities threatened to stifle any hopes the port had of becoming a key trade route , despite the fact that the country is a crucial transit route for West Africa , connecting millions of people in the landlocked countries of Niger , Mali , Burkina Faso , Chad , and the northern regions of Nigeria .
This is a story that replicates itself in trade ports along Africa ’ s entire coastline . Operators and customs entities are constantly looking for ways in which to alleviate the backlogs and delays caused by the high volumes flowing through these trade entry points , and digitisation , along with improved physical infrastructure , is proving to be an extremely effective solution .
Webb Fontaine started working with Benin ’ s Ministry of Finance and Benin Control in 2017 . These included Webb Single Window , Webb Transit Tracking , Webb Valuation , Webb Ports , and Webb Customs .
Webb Single Window has been a game changer . It forms the basis of GUCE Benin , a digital platform with over 6,500 users in the logistics chain that facilitates import , export ,
Arnaud Bouraima , Deputy Chief Commercial Officer , Webb Fontaine
and transit operations , and incorporates electronic payment via Paylican , Webb Fontaine ’ s official payments partner .
Webb Single Window has also automated the processing of key administrative operations like issuing licenses and authorisations , overseeing currency exchange operations , managing exemptions , and communicating with tax services .
In practical terms , this means streamlining the process needed to get containers out of the port . Digitising processes to create efficiencies , using new technologies such as artificial intelligence , AI , reduces the time spent on clearance of goods , for both customs brokers and administrators .
Benin now ranks as West Africa ’ s top port and holds the third-highest rating in Africa behind Egypt and South Africa . Release times have been reduced by 30 %, with a remarkable 50 % of containers being released within only two days .
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For example , reducing the clearance time from 47 days to only a few days allows for more cycles of importation , increasing tax revenue and creating a healthy economic cycle . This also attracts foreign direct investment , making the port more attractive for investors and traders . p
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