Non-uniform tariffs and difficulties in providing accurate statistics are just some of the problems that have long plagued the road freight segment in Benin, as in many other African countries.

In Benin, the Agence nationale des transports terrestres (ANaTT) has launched an online platform dedicated to road freight management.

Called the "Système électronique de gestion du fret routier (SYGFR)" (Electronic Road Freight Management System), it reorganizes this ecosystem, previously managed by private wide-body operators, and provides the various parties with an interface for real-time monitoring of conditions and documents relating to contracts of carriage, and so on.

It will also enable the registration of transport operators, as well as the issuing of permits and cards. The measure is aimed at improving supply management, standardizing tariffs and ensuring reliable statistics. It will help restructure this strategic sub-system of the port industry.

"There are a number of problems plaguing the sector. Today, freight is in the hands of importers and lessors, intermediaries and transport brokers. Transport regulations and allocation quotas are not respected, and neither are tariffs", declared Alihassan Baboni, President of the road hauliers' umbrella organization.

"This digital solution will revolutionize the way importers organize the routing of goods to the Port of Cotonou, and contribute to improving the Port's competitiveness," said Jacques Ayadji, Director of Air Ground Transport.

Agence Ecofin