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Back to topTHE PORT OF ABIDJAN CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY: A STORY OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND FUTURE AMBITION
THE PORT OF ABIDJAN CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY: A STORY OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND FUTURE AMBITION
On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Abidjan Port Authority (PAA) officially launched the festivities marking the 75th anniversary of the Port of Abidjan, during a solemn ceremony presided over by the Prime Minister, Minister of Sports and Living Environment, Head of Government, Dr. Robert Beugré Mambé, representing the High Patron, His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
The ceremony, held on the site of the new Grain Terminal, brought together high-ranking officials, including members of the government, representatives of the diplomatic corps, stakeholders from the maritime and port sectors, and members of the local community.
Under the theme “The Port of Abidjan: 75 Years Serving the National and Sub-Regional Economy — History, Challenges, and Ambitions”, this commemoration highlighted the central role of the Port in the development of Côte d’Ivoire and the West African sub-region.
In his address, the Managing Director of PAA, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ, recalled that this jubilee symbolizes “several decades of hard work, resilience, and innovation.” He paid tribute to all port stakeholders who contribute daily to the success and influence of this major logistics platform.
For his part, the Prime Minister congratulated the Port Authority for the significant investments made in recent years, which have strengthened the competitiveness of the Port of Abidjan and positioned it as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Mr. SIÉ also revisited the three successive Master Plans that have guided the Port’s modernization. He noted that the ongoing expansion and rehabilitation projects will help address future challenges and consolidate the Port of Abidjan’s leadership in the sub-region.
On behalf of the port operators, the Chairman and CEO of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), Mr. Philippe Labonne, expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic for his continued efforts to maintain the Port of Abidjan’s prestige along Africa’s Atlantic coast.
In the afternoon, a decoration ceremony marked the opening.
The Minister of Transport, on behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of Defense, Mr. Téné Birahima Ouattara, custodian of the Order of Maritime Merit, awarded the Managing Director of PAA the rank of Commander in the Order of Maritime Merit. This memorable moment also allowed several emblematic figures from the maritime and port sectors to be distinguished for their exemplary contribution to the development of this strategic infrastructure.
The festivities held on September 11 and 12, 2025, included several activities:
• Conferences and panels gathering experts, industry leaders, and institutional partners to discuss contemporary issues in the maritime sector;
• Open house events aimed at raising awareness among the general public, students, and youth about port-related professions;
• Guided tours of facilities and the screening of a film tracing the history and achievements of the PAA;
• A prestigious gala dinner at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire to close the celebrations.
Through this 75th anniversary, the Port of Abidjan is not only celebrating its past but also reaffirming its ambition for the future: to become a modern, competitive, and sustainable port serving the development of Côte d’Ivoire and the entire sub-region.
