The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is poised for a pivotal moment as road infrastructure ministers from Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo converge to expedite the realization of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway.
This six-lane dual carriage highway project, valued at $15.6 billion, is spearheaded by the ECOWAS Commission and is set to revolutionize transportation along the West African coast by linking Abidjan to Lagos via Accra, Lomé, and Cotonou.
The upcoming twentieth Project Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting, slated for December 15th, 2023, in Cotonou, Benin, marks a crucial juncture in assessing the project’s progress.
This two-day gathering will build upon decisions taken at the 19th Experts and Steering Committee meeting held in Accra, Ghana, in May 2023.
It aims to evaluate advancements made in the project study phase and strategize to expedite the transition to the construction phase.
The Abidjan-Lagos highway holds the promise of halving travel times and granting landlocked countries access to vital ports, significantly impacting the lives of over 500 million West Africans.
AfDB Group President Adesina highlighted the African Development Bank’s contribution, having allocated over $40 million for feasibility studies, a vital step in preparing the project for investment.
Once completed, this highway will not only bolster regional connectivity but also integrate with the Trans-African Highway Network, solidifying its role in transforming Africa’s transportation infrastructure.
The ongoing efforts underscore a commitment to enhancing regional trade, connectivity, and accessibility across West Africa, heralding a new era of development and growth for the continent.
