Abidjan-Lagos Highway: A Major Economic Driver for West Africa by 2030
The Abidjan-Lagos highway, set to connect five major West African cities by 2030, is poised to become a significant economic driver thanks to the African Development Bank's Spatial Development Initiative. Stretching 1,028 km, the highway will link Côte d'Ivoire to Nigeria via Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
According to the bank, construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2030, as announced during an online workshop on November 22, 2024.
A report by the consulting firm in charge of the spatial development initiative has identified 206 specific interventions along the highway, requiring initial investments of $6.8 billion, primarily from the private sector. Key sectors for these investments include:
- Renewable energy
- Manufacturing industry
- Transportation
- Agriculture
- ICT
- Tourism
- Mining
- Special economic zones
The supranational project will start in Bingerville, a suburb east of Abidjan, and end at the National Theatre in Lagos. According to available studies and financing needs, the project will involve:
- 144 km of asphalt in Côte d'Ivoire
- 520 km in Ghana
- 90 km in Togo
- 127 km in Benin
- 82 km in Nigeria
- Construction of 63 interchanges
This ambitious project is expected to have a significant impact on the economic development of the region, fostering growth and connectivity among the five megacities.
