Faced with the growing challenges of urban mobility and port performance, the Ivorian government is turning to an innovative waterway solution. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the introduction of container barging was officially announced, marking a turning point for the country’s multimodal logistics.

The government spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, specified that barging—a waterway system dedicated to containers—will significantly reduce the pressure exerted by heavy-duty trucks on the urban road network.

A New Urban Logistics Framework

At the heart of this reform is the establishment of dedicated logistics zones and specific routes for trucks. Heavy vehicles will no longer be authorized to transit through the city, a measure expected to improve traffic flow and reduce the nuisances associated with road transport.

The use of barges will facilitate the transfer of containers between various logistics hubs via lagoon waterways, thereby limiting land travel and optimizing cargo flows.

Opening to Private Operators

The Ivorian government also intends to encourage private sector participation. All interested operators may obtain an accreditation issued by the Ministry of Transport, in accordance with current regulations.

This opening is expected to stimulate investment in innovative logistics solutions and accelerate the deployment of this new mode of transport.

A Competitive Lever for the Port of Abidjan

Beyond urban decongestion, this initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the Autonomous Port of Abidjan (PAA) against other regional port platforms.

By improving operational fluidity and reducing transit times, river-based container transport could position Abidjan as a model for integrated logistics in West Africa.

With this reform, Côte d’Ivoire confirms its commitment to profoundly rethinking the connection between port, urban, and logistics transport by investing in sustainable and multimodal solutions.