Transformative £11.8 Billion Highway to Connect Five African Nations

A major infrastructure project is set to reshape transportation and trade in West Africa. The **Abidjan-Lagos Highway Corridor**, a **1,028-km (639-mile)** coastal highway, will connect **Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)**, **Ghana**, **Togo**, **Benin**, and **Nigeria**. This initiative aims to facilitate movement across these countries and bolster regional trade, significantly impacting local economies.

The project gained significant traction during the **2022 Africa Investment Forum Market Days**, where it secured an impressive **$15.6 billion (£11.8 billion)** investment. The initiative, led by the **African Development Bank Group (AfDB)** and supported by eight founding partners, has already received **$25 million (£18.9 million)** from the AfDB to fund the project’s preparatory phase.

Key Features of the Highway Corridor

Once completed, the highway will feature **four to six lanes**, expanding to **eight lanes** in **Lagos**, Nigeria’s largest city. This strategic route will link major economic hubs, including **Abidjan**, **Takoradi**, **Accra**, **Lomé**, **Cotonou**, **Porto-Novo**, and **Lagos**. By **2050**, the areas along this corridor are projected to house **173 million residents**, underscoring the highway’s potential significance in regional development.

The infrastructure project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly benefiting women and young people, as enhanced transportation is crucial for economic development. The route will start in **Abidjan** and end in **Lagos**, which currently accounts for **75%** of commercial activities in West Africa. The transport sector alone contributes between **5% and 8%** of the region’s GDP.

Construction Timeline and Phases

Construction is slated to begin in **2026**, with the project being executed in three phases. The first phase will include a **295 km (183-mile)** stretch from **Abidjan** to **Takoradi** in **Ghana**. The second phase covers **466 km (289 miles)** from **Takoradi** to **Akanu**, also in Ghana, while the final phase will encompass a **320 km (198-mile)** route to **Lagos**, passing through **Lomé** in **Togo** and **Porto-Novo** in **Benin**.

To facilitate cross-border trade, eight border posts will be established along the corridor. Additionally, in Nigeria, the project will expand the **Lagos-Badagry Expressway** from **four lanes to ten lanes**, integrating a light rail system and a bus rapid transit system, further enhancing connectivity and transportation efficiency.

This ambitious project reflects a commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering economic growth in West Africa, setting the stage for significant advancements in regional trade and development.