The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), is hosting a validation meeting for the Spatial Development Initiative (SDI) study for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor from 14 to 16 May 2024 in Accra, Ghana. This three-day event convenes experts from various organizations and sectors to discuss the SDI study results, which include a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.
Among those attending are representatives from the ECOWAS Department of Infrastructure, the ECOWAS Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU), Ministries of Infrastructure of the Corridor countries, project focal points, and delegates from international financial institutions such as AfDB, European Union, UEMOA, EBID, World Bank, AFEXIMBANK and BOAD.
The SDI study aims to identify and unlock economic potential in the region. It provides tools for an economic survey and proposes mechanisms for building consensus among key stakeholders. The study also offers insights into existing institutional arrangements while suggesting alternative options. Furthermore, it conducts detailed socio-economic assessments and market analysis of selected priority projects.
Mr Sediko DOUKA, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation represented by Mr Chris APPIAH, Acting ECOWAS Director of Transport said at the workshop's opening that "the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project was being implemented not just as a road project but as an integrated “development corridor” which will also catalyse the deployment of other important sectors such as Trade, Industry, Agriculture, Energy, Environment, ICT and Tourism."
Engr. Ibi TERNA M., Chairman of the Committee of Experts from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works and Housing urged all public and private stakeholders to participate in realizing this vision that promises a lasting transformation in our region's economic landscape.
The Abidjan-Lagos corridor project, led by ECOWAS, involves the construction of a 1028 km supranational motorway. This forms a significant part of the trans-African road network, linking major ports and urban areas in West Africa such as Lagos, Abidjan, Accra, Cotonou and Lomé. The corridor is expected to boost trade and integration in West Africa by providing seaport access to landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Chad.
The Abidjan-Lagos corridor is one of the ECOWAS priorities set out in its “Vision 2050”. It is also included in the Priority Action Plan of the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), which is implemented by the African Development Bank. The primary objectives are to facilitate movement of people and goods and accelerate regional and international trade by improving road infrastructure. Ultimately, it aims to transform the transport corridor into a development corridor that stimulates investment, sustainable development and poverty reduction in the region.
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