Cotonou stands as the vibrant economic capital of the Benin Republic and a critical port city along the West African coastline. Situated on the Gulf of Guinea, Benin occupies a geographically strategic position in the region.1 This report aims to provide a comprehensive yet readily understandable overview of Cotonou's rich and multifaceted history, tracing its evolution from its modest origins to its contemporary prominence as a major urban center and a pivotal hub for both regional and international trade.4 While Porto-Novo holds the official title of the political capital, Cotonou functions as the de facto administrative and economic heart of the nation, a dynamic reflection of its historical trajectory.1 The narrative of Cotonou encompasses key periods, including its initial establishment as a fishing village, its subsequent development under the influential Kingdom of Dahomey, the significant era of French colonial impact, and its sustained growth as the economic engine of an independent Benin.

The story of Cotonou begins with its name, derived from the Fon language. "Kútɔ̀nú" translates to "mouth of the river of death," a name that refers to the nearby Ouémé River.5 Geographically, early Cotonou occupied a narrow strip of land nestled between the expansive Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic Ocean. The Ouémé River played a crucial role, flowing into the Atlantic at this very location, shaping the landscape and influencing early settlement patterns.5 Initially, in the early decades of the 19th century, Cotonou was a small fishing village, likely home to the To-finou fishermen before its formal establishment.4 The formal founding of Cotonou is attributed to King Ghezo of the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey around the year 1830.5 Several factors contributed to its growth beyond its humble beginnings. Its strategic coastal location offered access to burgeoning maritime trade routes, and it held significant potential as a trading post for the Kingdom of Dahomey.4 Notably, Cotonou played an early and substantial role in the transatlantic slave trade, a grim chapter that significantly influenced its initial development and demographic composition.5 As international pressure mounted to abolish the slave trade, Cotonou later transitioned towards trade in other commodities, primarily palm oil and cotton.

The Kingdom of Dahomey held a position of considerable historical significance in West Africa, in the area now known as Benin. Renowned for its highly organized and formidable military, which included the famed female warriors known as the Amazons, Dahomey was also deeply involved in the transatlantic slave trade.1 The reign of King Ghezo, spanning from 1818 to 1858, was particularly pivotal, as he is credited with the formal establishment and initial expansion of Cotonou around 1830.5 King Ghezo's motivations for developing Cotonou were likely rooted in strategic considerations. By establishing a presence there, he could gain direct access to European traders, potentially bypassing rival coastal kingdoms such as Allada and Whydah, which Dahomey had subsequently brought under its control.17 Cotonou thus became a vital outlet for the Kingdom of Dahomey's commercial activities, facilitating the export of individuals captured in warfare as slaves in exchange for European goods like firearms and textiles.1 Later, as the British implemented a naval blockade aimed at suppressing the slave trade, Cotonou became a key port for the trade in palm oil, a commodity King Ghezo actively promoted as a substitute.

The 19th century witnessed a growing presence and intensifying competition among European powers along the West African coast, with France and Britain emerging as key players vying for trade advantages and colonial dominance.5 An initial treaty in 1851 with the French Second Republic during King Ghezo's rule granted France the right to establish a trading post in Cotonou.5 This was followed by a more significant event in 1878, during the reign of King Glele (1858-1889), when the territory of Cotonou was ceded to the Second French Empire through another treaty.5 However, historical accounts suggest some ambiguity regarding King Glele's full understanding and agreement to the terms of these treaties.32 In 1883, the French Navy strategically occupied Cotonou to prevent its potential annexation by the British, highlighting the intense geopolitical rivalry among European powers for control over this strategically important port location.5 King Béhanzin (1889-1894), who succeeded his father Glele, made determined but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to challenge French control over Cotonou and resist further French encroachment into Dahomean territory.5 A pivotal moment in Cotonou's transformation occurred with the rapid and substantial growth of the town following the commencement of construction on a modern harbor by the French in 1908.5 Other French infrastructural developments further facilitated Cotonou's expansion, including the digging of the canal known as the Lagoon of Cotonou in 1855 and the construction of bridges that connected different parts of the burgeoning settlement.

Throughout the 20th century, Cotonou experienced significant population growth, reaching approximately 70,000 inhabitants by the time Benin (then known as Dahomey) achieved independence in 1960.5 Following independence, Cotonou firmly established itself as the undisputed economic capital of the Republic of Benin.1 A crucial development occurred in 1965 with the completion of a modern deep-water port at Cotonou.4 This significantly enhanced its capacity for international trade and solidified its position as a major port in West Africa, serving not only Benin but also landlocked neighboring countries such as Niger.4 Cotonou's infrastructure continued to develop, with the expansion and modernization of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou 4 and the Cotonou International Airport, providing essential air links to regional capitals and France.4 The city also became a significant center for commerce and industry in Benin, with key sectors including the production of textiles, beverages, and palm oil, alongside the assembly of motor vehicles and bicycles.4 Historically and presently, Cotonou has held importance as a hub for the automotive trade in the region, with European brands sold from large open-air lots, and a past history of local assembly of vehicles like Citroën models.4 More recent challenges and developments include the impact of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea on port activity in the early 2010s 4 and the city's increasing role as a home to various multinational corporations, academic institutions such as the University of Science and Technology of Benin and the African University of Technology and Management 4, and numerous non-governmental organizations.

A vital aspect of Cotonou's history and its role as a trade hub is its connectivity, most notably through the Benin-Niger Railway. The bustling port of Cotonou serves as the railway's crucial starting point, providing a vital link to the interior of Benin and beyond.4 Construction of the railway commenced during the French colonial era around 1900, with the initial line connecting Cotonou to Ouidah.50 By 1936, the line had been extended northwards to Parakou, becoming known as the Northern Line.4 This railway played a critical role in connecting the port of Cotonou to the interior regions of Benin, facilitating the transportation of goods, including agricultural products and imports. It also offered a potential route for onward transport by road to the navigable Niger River, serving the landlocked nation of Niger.4 Historically, other railway lines branched from Cotonou, including the Eastern Line to Pobé and the Western Line to Segboroué.50 However, these lines are now largely defunct, with only a short freight section to Porto-Novo remaining operational. Recent years have seen renewed efforts and agreements between Benin and Niger to rehabilitate and extend the railway network, with the ambitious goal of establishing a direct rail link between Cotonou and Niamey, Niger's capital. This initiative aims to further boost inter-regional trade and economic integration.51 Groups such as Bolloré and PETROLIN have been involved in these significant projects.51 The Benin-Niger Railway has had a profound historical impact on Cotonou's growth and development as a major trade and transportation hub in West Africa, facilitating the movement of goods and people and connecting the coast to the hinterland.

In the contemporary landscape, Cotonou stands as the largest and most populous city in Benin, firmly established as the nation's primary economic and de facto administrative capital.1 Key features of modern Cotonou include the bustling Dantokpa Market, widely recognized as the largest open-air market in West Africa. This sprawling market plays an immense role in the regional economy, generating substantial daily revenue and serving as a vital hub for trade in a wide array of goods.4 A characteristic sight in Cotonou is the ubiquitous presence of motorcycle taxis, locally known as "zémidjan," which serve as a dominant and readily accessible mode of transportation for navigating the city.4 However, modern Cotonou also faces contemporary challenges, including issues such as seasonal flooding and coastal erosion, the latter potentially exacerbated by the construction of the deep-water port.4 The city grapples with the ongoing need for sustainable urban development to effectively manage rapid population growth and address infrastructural limitations, particularly in areas such as waste management and sanitation.4 Reflecting its multicultural and multi-religious character, Cotonou is home to diverse places of worship, including the Cotonou Cathedral, Temple Salem de Cotonou, and the Mosquée centrale de Cotonou.4 Furthermore, Cotonou's significance as a regional hub is underscored by its increasing attraction for multinational corporations, various academic institutions, and numerous non-governmental organizations that have established a presence to engage with opportunities and challenges in West Africa.49