The African Development Fund, a key institution of the African Development Bank Group, has approved €156.66 million in financing to support the rehabilitation and paving of 242 kilometers of cross-border roads connecting Burkina Faso, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. This ambitious project aims to strengthen transport infrastructure, boost local and regional economies, and improve access to social services for more than 4.5 million people in the region.
Strategic Roads for Better Connectivity
In Burkina Faso, the funding will rehabilitate the critical Bobo Dioulasso-Banfora-border with Côte d’Ivoire road (155 km), construct the Banfora-Orodara link (42 km), and reinforce the bridge over the Léraba River. Additionally, 18 kilometers of urban roads and 50 kilometers of rural tracks will be built to stimulate local economies and protect populations from the impacts of climate change.
In Mali, the project will focus on the development and paving of the Bougouni-Garalo section, 45 km long, as part of the Bougouni-Manankoro-border with Côte d’Ivoire corridor.
These road corridors are crucial for connecting the landlocked countries of Burkina Faso and Mali to Côte d’Ivoire’s maritime ports of Abidjan and San Pedro, thereby facilitating international and regional trade.
An Integrated Project to Drive Development
The project, to be implemented over six years (2024-2030), follows an integrated approach aimed at improving transport corridors, reducing non-tariff barriers, and strengthening the economic resilience of local communities. In addition to road infrastructure, the program will include:
- The development of socio-economic infrastructure (schools, health centers, markets) in the areas along the roads,
- Training for young people and women to boost entrepreneurship,
- Promotion of agricultural and pastoral value chains through modern equipment.
Co-Funding and Economic Impact
In addition to funding from the African Development Fund, this project benefits from co-financing by the Islamic Development Bank (€138 million) and the European Union (€25 million). These investments will not only enhance the competitiveness of local economies but also reduce logistical delays and costs while supporting ecological transition with sustainable infrastructure.
According to Lamin Barrow, Director General for West Africa at the African Development Bank:
“These community-standard roads do more than connect countries: they pave the way for immense economic opportunities, from transforming agricultural products to accessing regional markets.”
By also incorporating projects related to tourism, mining, and agro-industry, this initiative will transform the affected regions into true regional economic hubs.
