A groundbreaking transportation initiative is set to reshape travel and trade across five major African countries. The Abidjan-Lagos Highway Corridor, a 1,028-kilometer (639-mile) coastal highway, will connect Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. This ambitious project aims to facilitate easier movement for people and goods, ultimately boosting regional trade and development.
Plans for the highway gained significant traction at the 2022 Africa Investment Forum Market Days, where it secured a notable $15.6 billion (£11.8 billion) investment. The initiative is backed by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) along with eight founding partners. A preliminary funding of $25 million (£18.9 million) from the AfDB has already been allocated to kickstart the project.
Highway Features and Economic Impact
Upon completion, the highway will consist of four to six lanes, expanding to eight lanes in Lagos. It will link key economic hubs, including Abidjan, Takoradi, Accra, Lomé, Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos. By the year 2050, these areas are expected to be home to approximately 173 million residents.
The corridor is projected to create substantial job opportunities, particularly benefiting women and young people, as enhanced transportation is critical for the region’s growth. The route begins in Abidjan, a coastal city in Côte d’Ivoire, and concludes in Lagos, which accounts for about 75% of West Africa’s commercial activities. The transport sector currently represents between 5% and 8% of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Construction Timeline and Phases
Construction is slated to commence in 2026 and will proceed in three phases. The initial phase includes a 295-kilometer (183-mile) stretch from Abidjan to Takoradi in Ghana. The second phase will cover 466 kilometers (289 miles) from Takoradi to Akanu, also in Ghana. The final segment will extend 320 kilometers (198 miles) to Lagos, passing through Lomé in Togo and Porto-Novo in Benin.
Additionally, the project will establish eight border posts along the corridor. In Nigeria, the Lagos-Badagry Expressway will undergo significant expansion, increasing from four lanes to ten lanes. This upgrade will also incorporate a light rail system and a bus rapid transit system, enhancing public transport options in the region.
The Abidjan-Lagos Highway Corridor stands to be a transformative project that not only enhances connectivity among these nations but also aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation across West Africa.
