Cotonou

Cotonou is the largest city and economic capital of Benin, even though Porto-Novo holds the official capital status. It is home to the country’s main port, which plays a critical transit role for landlocked Niger and northern Nigeria, and hosts Benin’s key commercial activity.

Cotonou draws African economic media interest for its strategic port activity, Benin’s ongoing business climate reforms that have improved regional rankings, its developing digital economy, and cross-border trade dynamics that make it a revealing indicator of West African informal and formal commerce.