Cotonou (Benin) Promoting food hygiene and safety through the regularization of street vendors and the creation of a canteen for port workers

As part of the improvement of its social and environmental actions, the Port Autonome de Cotonou (Benin) has been committed for several years to modernizing its activities and implementing numerous initiatives for the benefit of local communities. In 2024, the PAC inaugurated a space of over 3,000 m², fully covered, consisting of market stalls equipped with cooking facilities, running water, and electricity. The 98 vendors at the Port Autonome de Cotonou canteen were previously located along the road, without protection from traffic and adverse weather. They could not cook on-site, reheat food, or access sanitary facilities. They now have clean, modern premises that allow them to work in good conditions and feed port employees and other neighborhood residents to a higher standard of hygiene. The stalls are also secured, allowing vendors to build up their stock.