LOMÉ, TOGO — A delegation of Burkinabè journalists visited the Lomé representation of the Burkinabè Shippers' Council (CBC) on Thursday, August 1, 2024, as part of a press trip aimed at providing an in-depth look at the operations along the Ouagadougou-Lomé corridor. This visit allowed the journalists to gain firsthand experience of the CBC's role in managing freight and engaging with various stakeholders at the autonomous port of Lomé.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the CBC's first manager in Lomé, the visit highlighted the council's critical function in the transport and logistics chain, not only in Burkina Faso but across its service corridors in West Africa. The CBC's operations in Togo play a pivotal role in managing the flow of goods through key transit ports, including Abidjan, Tema, Cotonou, and Lomé. The Lomé office, housed in a strategically located building within the port area, is staffed by around twenty agents overseeing operations ranging from accounting to freight registration.
During the tour, journalists were introduced to various aspects of the CBC's operations, from the initial filing of cargo declarations by freight forwarders to the final issuance of loading vouchers and tracking slips for different products. The CBC's Lomé representation also collaborates closely with several local and regional entities, such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso and the National Council of Shippers of Togo, enhancing its efficiency in cargo management.
Khamya Koné Diao, head of the CBC Togo operations office, noted that the port handles a significant volume of freight declarations daily, with the numbers often translating to hundreds of trucks. This efficient handling has made the port particularly popular with hinterland countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, a trend further influenced by the regional geopolitical landscape and the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States.
However, the influx of transit traffic presents challenges, including issues with non-compliance with franchise deadlines and the logistical constraints of container transfers to the Adétikopé Industrial Platform. In response, the CBC has plans to develop a new 11-hectare parking facility in Adétikopé to alleviate some of these pressures and improve the overall freight management process.
The visit underscored the CBC's commitment to facilitating regional trade and its proactive approach to addressing the logistical challenges faced by shippers and truck drivers like Issifou Tchanondo, who expressed satisfaction with the CBC's services. The collaboration and ongoing dialogue with partners and stakeholders underscore the CBC's integral role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of freight transportation in the region.