On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and Public Portfolio, Christian YOKA, conducted an inspection visit to the Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire (PAPN), a true flagship of the Congolese economy and a strategic asset of the public portfolio.

During his presentation to the Minister of Finance, Séraphin Bhalat, Managing Director of PAPN, outlined the company's transformation strategy. "The Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire is committed to an ambitious modernization process to increase its attractiveness and competitiveness, and to consolidate its leading position in Central Africa," he stated.

This approach is part of an increasingly competitive environment, marked by the rise of other ports in the Central African sub-region. Faced with this challenge, the PAPN is focusing on innovation and the modernization of its infrastructure. This is particularly true given that PAPN's performance is based on intense transit and transshipment activity, which accounts for 80% of its traffic. This specialization positions the port as a major logistics hub for the region's trade.

Major investments for the future

The major investments made demonstrate the port's ambition. The construction of the new multi-bulk berth is one of the most emblematic achievements. This 250-meter-long facility, with a draft of 16 meters, is specially designed to accommodate new-generation grain, bulk, and ore carriers.

At the same time, the port is developing a 120-meter-long multifunctional berth, a remarkable innovation that includes a dock dedicated to the careening of fishing vessels. This versatile infrastructure illustrates PAPN's ability to adapt to the diverse needs of its users.

The modernization of PAPN benefits from the support of several international financial partners. The European Investment Bank (EIB), the Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC), and the French Development Agency (AFD) are contributing to the financing of this ambitious transformation.

The European Union is also contributing through a grant for the construction of the fishing port, demonstrating the confidence of international partners in PAPN's potential.

At the same time, PAPN is currently developing a ship repair shop, thereby strengthening its service capabilities for shipowners. This diversification of activities is accompanied by the acquisition of a Port Community System (PCS), a technological platform that will optimize the management of information flows and port procedures.

A Structured Strategic Approach

After an interactive discussion with the PAPN management team, Minister Christian YOKA and his delegation continued their visit with an inspection of the fishing port under construction. This project is part of the PAPN's 2022-2026 strategic plan, which is structured around three fundamental pillars.

The first pillar aims to strengthen the PAPN's transshipment role in the sub-region, capitalizing on its strategic geographic location. The second pillar aims to make the PAPN the driving force of the Congolese economy, thus strengthening its impact on national development. Finally, the third pillar provides for the transformation of the PAPN into a digitalized port that complies with environmental standards, anticipating the requirements of modern maritime transport.

Minister Christian YOKA's visit to the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire is part of an approach to supporting strategic public enterprises. Through its ongoing modernization and its ability to adapt to the challenges of modern maritime transport, the PAPN confirms its status as a key player in the Congolese economy and a pillar of the country's development.

The Communication Unit of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Public Portfolio