The Port of Abidjan is strengthening its port security measures through a mission by the U.S. Coast Guard running from August 31 to September 4, 2026, in cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire’s Directorate General of Maritime Affairs.

The mission is being conducted under the U.S. government’s International Port Security Program and aims to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s capabilities in preventing and managing security risks affecting port facilities.

The programme includes a seminar on port security exercises, as well as assessments of two terminals at the Port of Abidjan: Côte d’Ivoire Terminal and the Abidjan Multipurpose Terminal. The assessments are intended to identify potential vulnerabilities and strengthen the facilities’ ability to prevent and respond to security threats.

At the opening of the programme, Colonel Coffi Yao Emmanuel, Commander of the Port of Abidjan, representing Port Autonome d’Abidjan Director General Kassoum Traoré, stressed the importance of coordinated action among all members of the port community to strengthen the resilience of the platform.

The Port of Abidjan has complied with the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, known as the ISPS Code, since 2004. The international framework establishes security measures aimed at preventing threats to ships and port facilities and strengthening maritime transport security.

Colonel-Major Julien Yao Kouassi, Director General of Maritime Affairs, described the mission as strategically important for strengthening the security, reliability and competitiveness of Côte d’Ivoire’s ports.

The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire. Matt Naylor, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, welcomed the commitment of the Ivorian authorities and the Port Autonome d’Abidjan and emphasized the importance of expertise sharing.

The opening ceremony, held on behalf of Transport Minister Amadou Koné and Minister Delegate for Maritime Affairs Célestin Doh Serey, also highlighted the need for stronger coordination between government institutions and private-sector stakeholders.

For Abidjan, strengthening port security is both an economic and security priority. The Port of Abidjan is one of Côte d’Ivoire’s key commercial infrastructure assets and plays an important role in trade across West Africa.

Cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard is expected to help strengthen national capabilities, improve the resilience of port facilities and maintain the international security standards required to support the growth of maritime traffic.

The mission, which runs until September 4, comes as the security of port infrastructure and maritime routes remains an increasingly important issue for West African coastal economies.