Lagoon transport : Sustainable Mobility at the Heart of Cities

Pitch

Although rarely mentioned among public transport options, lagoon transport is nevertheless an important mode of transportation in many coastal cities across Africa.

In some urban areas, such as Lagos or Abidjan, it provides an efficient solution to road traffic congestion. Less expensive than road transport, it also offers a socially beneficial response to development challenges. Moreover, it often generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than road transport and is easier to decarbonize thanks to the possibility of using electric vessels.

The opportunities offered by lagoon transport are particularly recognized by the Ivorian authorities, who have made its development one of the priorities of their national development plan.

As a genuine response to social and climate challenges, this mode of transport now requires new investments, as well as the modernization of fleets and landing facilities.

This workshop, supported by the European Union, will provide an opportunity to present initiatives undertaken by stakeholders — both in terms of management and technological developments — and to discuss financing arrangements to support its development. It is part of the Coalition of West African Coastal Cities (CoViCAO), launched by Climate Chance during its Cotonou Summit in 2025, in connection with the global coalition of cities established at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice in June 2025.

Speakers

• Aristide GAHIE, Director of Planning, Studies and Projects at AMUGA

• Raymond SARR, Founder & CEO of Jokosun Energies

• Alain JOLIVET, International Aid and Cooperation Officer, Infrastructure, European External Action Service

• Nontas PAPADIMITRIOU / Joel KOUAME, Invest International

Moderator: Ronan DANTEC