Cotonou will host the second edition of the Rencontres Transport Logistique de Cotonou (TLC2) at the Palais des Congrès from 12 November to 14 November 2026. This upcoming gathering serves as a critical platform for industry professionals to discuss the future of regional supply chains. Organizers selected the theme "Corridors, port, digital: bâtir ensemble la logistique fluide et fiable de l’Afrique de l’Ouest" for this year's event. Participants will examine regional trade connectivity and the integration of digital systems within the transport sector.
Kevin Potier, directeur du développement commercial du PAC, emphasized the strategic importance of the facility during preparations. "Le port est en effet un maillon essentiel de la chaîne logistique et du commerce régional," said Kevin Potier. The summit aims to convene industry stakeholders to address challenges facing the movement of goods across West Africa. By gathering experts and decision-makers, the event seeks to foster dialogue on improving infrastructure and streamlining bureaucratic processes that currently impact transit times and operational costs in the region.
Organizers and Event Partnerships
Classe Export manages the organization of the summit in partnership with the Port autonome de Cotonou (PAC) and the Association des consignataires et agents maritimes du Bénin (ACAM). This collaborative effort shows the shared commitment of both public and private entities to enhancing the efficiency of the local transport ecosystem. Organizers aim to attract nearly 1,000 participants from approximately ten countries to the event, marking a significant expansion in scope and international interest compared to previous efforts.
Gildas Atindehou, the president of the ACAM, expressed support for the collaboration between these entities. "Nous allons continuer de nous tenir debout aux côtés du port et de Classe Export pour faire rayonner ce genre d’initiatives," said Gildas Atindehou. The partnership notes the necessity of unified action to address the complexities of maritime and land logistics.
Growth Since Inaugural Edition
The first edition of the Rencontres Transport Logistique de Cotonou took place in November 2025. Organizers hosted the inaugural event at the Hôtel Azalaï in Cotonou to establish a foundation for future industry dialogue. The success of the 2025 gathering provided the necessary momentum to scale the event for the 2026 session.
Data from the 2025 edition recorded over 350 professional visitors who attended from four countries. The inaugural program included 12 exhibitors and featured more than 12 conferences and workshops for participants. These sessions allowed attendees to share insights on technical challenges and emerging trends within the logistics sector. The positive reception of these workshops has informed the planning of the 2026 agenda, which will build upon the foundational themes established during the debut event.
The organizers are committed to maintaining this momentum by providing a consistent platform for professional development and networking. A new bimestriel magazine titled 'Cotonou Trade & Logistics' will launch on 1 January 2027. This publication will replace the previous White Paper, offering a more frequent and detailed source of information for those involved in the regional logistics market. By transitioning to this new format, the organizers hope to sustain the engagement generated during the summit throughout the year.
