The German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd will open a new office in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, on May 20, with the aim of serving its customers in the country more directly through a local presence. The opening is part of the company’s strategy to consolidate its position in West Africa, one of the regions with the greatest growth potential in international maritime trade.
Benin constitutes a market of growing relevance within the region, backed by sustained economic growth and investments in infrastructure and trade facilitation. The Port of Cotonou serves as a strategic gateway for both the country and its wide hinterland, which includes landlocked neighboring markets such as Niger and Burkina Faso. This condition makes Benin a reference logistics hub in the area.
So far, Hapag-Lloyd has been serving its customers in Benin through its regional network, with Cotonou playing a fundamental role in connecting West Africa to global trade routes. The opening of a dedicated office represents a new step to strengthen relationships with customers, improve responsiveness and offer solutions tailored to the needs of the local market.
“The opening of our new office in Benin is an important step to consolidate our presence in West Africa,” stated Jesper Kanstrup, General Director of the Africa Subregion at Hapag-Lloyd. “Benin plays a relevant role in our growth ambitions within Strategy 2030. With a dedicated local presence, we can be closer to our customers and partners while supporting the continued development of trade in the region.”
With its new office in Cotonou, Hapag-Lloyd underscores its long-term commitment to service quality and to addressing its customers throughout the region through reliable and efficient maritime transport solutions.