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

Challenge(s)

How can the activity of street vendors in the port area be sustained while ensuring hygiene and safety for both customers and vendors?

Good practice

In response to the precarious and dangerous working conditions of food vendors along the port road, and to ensure improved food hygiene standards, the Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) undertook significant consultative efforts to find the best solution. The consultation process led to the creation of modern facilities, sheltered from traffic and adverse weather, equipped with running water and electricity. The action of the Port Autonome de Cotonou reflects the best practices expected of a port authority committed to social and environmental responsibility toward local communities.

Case study

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.

The cost of the project amounts to over 600 million FCFA. The participation process consisted of stakeholder consultation. The project not only improved working conditions and provided financial stability to the beneficiaries by increasing access to customers, but also it helped foster an inclusive community environment by attracting a more diverse clientele, including senior managers and dock workers. Furthermore, early results show that this relocation has led to a 20% increase in sales, and ongoing data collection aims to measure further impacts on the reduction of incidents and waste.

Additional Information: Port Autonome de Cotonou