Reinforcement of Port Infrastructures in Abidjan: New Decrees Adopted by the Council of Ministers

On Wednesday 22 May 2024, a Council of Ministers was held at the Palais de la Présidence de la République in Abidjan, under the chairmanship of His Excellency Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. Several important decrees were adopted, aimed at reinforcing the security system of the Port Autonome d’Abidjan (PAA) and its infrastructures, and improving the country’s competitiveness in terms of foreign trade.

Ratification of a Loan Agreement for the Grain Terminal Construction Project

The Council of Ministers has adopted a decree ratifying loan agreement n°IC-P4. This agreement, worth two billion four hundred and fifty-five million (2,455,000,000) Japanese Yen, or approximately nine billion eight hundred and seventeen million nine hundred and thirteen thousand two hundred and fifty (9,817,913,250) CFA francs, was signed on 19 March 2024 between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

The funds will be used to finance phase II of the project to build a grain terminal at the Port Autonome d’Abidjan. This project involves the construction of a cereal terminal, storage area and related facilities to increase the PAA’s cargo handling capacity. Once completed, the project will boost Côte d’Ivoire’s competitiveness in the foreign cereals trade.

Approval of the Port Autonome d’Abidjan Security System Concession Agreement

The Council also adopted a decree approving the concession agreement for the security system at the Port Autonome d’Abidjan. To be signed in December 2023, this agreement entrusts the company Ivoire Sureté Portuaire with the responsibility of financing, rehabilitating and modernising the PAA’s security system. The company, which specialises in security management and video surveillance, will also be responsible for operating and managing port security.

The decree ratifies and commits to the implementation of this agreement, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force on public-private partnerships.

These decisions mark an important step in the development of port infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire, enhancing the safety and efficiency of port operations while stimulating economic growth through greater competitiveness on the international cereals market.