Since 2016, under the leadership of President Patrice Talon, the Government of Benin has positioned the transport sector as a strategic lever for national development, with a strong focus on improving transport infrastructure. The goal is to ensure efficient, effective, and highly secure mobility for all users of Benin’s logistics platform.
In this continuous drive for progress, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Cotonou, the National Land Transport Agency (ANaTT) officially launched the Electronic Consignment Note (e-CN), the second module of the Freight Management Electronic System (SYGFR). This digital platform enables ANaTT to issue transport authorizations and permits online while facilitating the electronic issuance of consignment notes for all freight originating from the Autonomous Port of Cotonou and other major freight hubs across Benin.
A Major Step in the Digitalization of Transport
The launch ceremony was presided over by Mr. Djamal GBIAN TABE, representing the Minister of Living Environment and Transport, in charge of Sustainable Development. The event was attended by key stakeholders in the transport sector, including representatives from technical and financial partners such as Enabel Benin and the European Union, as well as delegates from the Burkina Faso Shippers’ Council, the Malian Shippers’ Council, the Nigerien Public Transport Users’ Council, presidents of Beninese transport associations, and the Director General of the Republican Police’s representative.
To further professionalize the transport industry in Benin, ANaTT—with the support of Enabel and the European Union—has developed SYGFR, a crucial tool designed to enhance freight fluidity and traceability throughout Benin.
A Key Step Towards a Formalized Freight Sector
In his opening remarks, Mr. Alain OROUNLA, Prefect of Littoral, welcomed the initiative, followed by Mr. Hervé CORBEL, Project Manager at Enabel Benin, who emphasized that the introduction of the Electronic Consignment Note is a crucial step in formalizing Benin’s land freight sector. Mr. Joël NEUBERT, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Benin, highlighted that this launch represents a decisive turning point in the modernization of the country’s transport sector.
Invited to the ceremony, El Hadj Oumarou, Coordinator of Cameroon’s Land Freight Management Office, expressed his admiration for Benin’s progress in the sector. He applauded the initiative, underlining the benefits it could bring to transport operators and freight shippers, particularly at the Port of Cotonou, a strategic trade hub in Africa. He also announced the creation of an African Alliance of Land Freight Management Organizations, aimed at improving connectivity and cooperation between African countries.
A Path Toward International Recognition
After presenting the reforms undertaken since 2021 to modernize and professionalize Benin’s transport sector, ANaTT Director General Richard DADA emphasized that the e-CN launch is another milestone in Benin’s journey toward transport modernization. He announced upcoming training sessions to help all stakeholders adopt this new tool, which will ultimately lead Benin to implement an internationally recognized Electronic Consignment Note system.
Expressing satisfaction, Mr. Ali Hassane BABONI, President of Benin’s Transport Union, welcomed this new era of modernization.
“The SYGFR is an essential tool for achieving fluid, traceable freight transport,” stated Mr. Djamal GBIAN TABE, reaffirming the commitment of Minister José TONATO and the entire government to ensuring the successful implementation of this innovative system, which positions Benin as a regional leader in freight management.
The event concluded with the presentation of congratulatory letters to the first consignors using the Electronic Consignment Note system.
Source : Government of Benin Republic
