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Back to top75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE PORT OF ABIDJAN: A CLOSING CEREMONY IN THE SPIRIT OF COMMITMENT AND VISION
75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE PORT OF ABIDJAN: A CLOSING CEREMONY IN THE SPIRIT OF COMMITMENT AND VISION
The Abidjan Port Authority (PAA) officially concluded, on Friday, September 12, 2025, the festivities marking the 75th anniversary (1950–2025) of the Port of Abidjan, following two days filled with activities, discussions, and recognitions.
The celebrations were launched on Thursday, September 11, at the Abidjan Port’s Grain Terminal during an official ceremony that brought together senior government officials, private sector partners, port stakeholders, and distinguished guests from various backgrounds.
The event was presided over by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Minister of Sports and Living Environment, representing the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, who served as the event’s High Patron.
In his opening address, the Prime Minister praised the strategic vision of the Head of State, which has turned the Port of Abidjan into a cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s logistics and industrial competitiveness.
“The rapid and sustained development of the Port of Abidjan in recent decades is a tangible proof of the President’s vision — a vision that anticipated the need for modern, high-performance infrastructure to sustain the nation’s economic growth,” he stated, paying a heartfelt tribute to the Head of State.
The Prime Minister also commended the efforts of Transport Minister Amadou Koné, Managing Director of the Abidjan Port Authority, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ, and all stakeholders who contributed to modernizing the port infrastructure and enhancing its logistical competitiveness.
In his own address, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ recalled on the key milestones that have shaped the Port of Abidjan since its creation in 1950, outlining the challenges overcome, the projects completed, and the ambitions that continue to guide its progress.
“Thanks to the enlightened vision of the President of the Republic, we have benefited from major structural investments that today position the Port of Abidjan as a leading logistics hub in Africa,” he affirmed.
He expressed gratitude to the government authorities, port stakeholders, economic operators, private partners, and all collaborators for their contributions to the port’s success and reputation.
Present at the ceremony, Mr. Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport, pointed out the strategic importance of the Port of Abidjan in the country’s transport policy and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to supporting the port as it enters a new phase of competitiveness.
Mr. Philippe LABONNE, President of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), a long-standing partner of the port, also took the floor to commend the quality of cooperation between his group and the Abidjan Port Authority.
One of the highlights of the celebrations was the presentation of distinctions to the Managing Director of PAA, to economic operators, partner companies, and former employees who have made significant contributions to the port’s growth. These recognitions symbolize the institution’s gratitude toward those who have supported its development.
In addition to the official ceremonies, several thematic panels were held, addressing key contemporary issues in the port sector such as city–port relations, technological innovation, connectivity, and sustainability.
These exchanges helped shape a roadmap for the decades ahead, fostering innovation and competitiveness.
The celebrations concluded with a prestigious gala dinner at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, attended by numerous political, economic, and diplomatic figures.
The evening was marked by artistic performances, tributes, and awards, closing the festivities in a spirit of unity and pride.
The 75th anniversary of the Port of Abidjan thus marks not only a symbolic milestone but also the beginning of a new era, as the port sets its sights on becoming one of the most efficient logistics hubs on the African continent.
