By the Editorial Team of Logis-T Africa
The Bamako–Zantiebougou Transport Development and Facilitation Project stands out as one of the most structuring road and logistics investments in West Africa. Supported by multinational financing, the project aims to improve trade flows, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen regional integration between Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, at the heart of African logistics corridors.
A Strategic Corridor for African Trade and Regional Supply Chains
The Bamako–Zantiebougou corridor forms part of the Bamako–San Pedro axis, a key route for African trade, linking Mali’s hinterland to Ivorian seaports. It plays a central role in road transport in Africa, particularly for the export of agricultural, mining, and manufactured goods, as well as for Africa’s import–export flows.
The project’s primary objective is clear: to improve traffic fluidity, reduce transport time and costs, and enhance the competitiveness of Africa’s supply chains.
More Than €100 Million Mobilized for African Logistics Infrastructure
The project benefits from total financing of approximately €104 million, mobilized through multiple partners, including:
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African Development Bank (AfDB),
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African Development Fund (ADF),
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European Union – Africa Investment Platform,
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ECOWAS Fund,
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Beneficiary States.
This financial structure underscores the strategic importance of African logistics infrastructure as a driver of economic development and regional integration.
Tangible Results for Transport in West Africa
Significantly Improved Road Performance
Road works have been completed at 100% across both project lots, covering:
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135 km in Côte d’Ivoire,
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140 km in Mali.
The impacts are substantial:
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Travel time on certain sections has been reduced from six hours to just 1.5 hours,
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Vehicle operating costs have decreased by nearly 50%,
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Traffic volumes have increased, strengthening the reliability of African supply chains.
Direct Benefits for Communities and Local Economies
Beyond transport infrastructure, the project incorporated complementary social investments, including:
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rural access roads,
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potable water boreholes,
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solar-powered public lighting,
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equipment supporting women and local communities.
These investments improve mobility, market access, and living conditions, while supporting inclusive logistics that contributes to local economic development.
Transport Facilitation and Supply Chain Challenges in Africa
A key pillar of the project focuses on transport facilitation and cross-border trade, notably through:
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the establishment of a Juxtaposed Border Post (JBP) at the Côte d’Ivoire–Mali border,
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modernization of customs procedures,
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improved inter-state road transit operations.
While technical studies have been completed, some components—particularly those led by UEMOA—have experienced delays. Their implementation remains critical to optimizing supply chain management in Africa and enhancing the corridor’s overall attractiveness.
A Flagship Project Reflecting Africa’s Logistics Trends in 2026
Rated highly satisfactory in terms of development objectives, the Bamako–Zantiebougou project reflects key logistics trends in Africa in 2026, including:
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prioritization of regional corridors,
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reduction of logistics costs,
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integration of transport, trade, and local development,
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strengthening the resilience of supply chains.
It also confirms that the modernization of transport in Africa, particularly road transport, remains a decisive factor for integrating African economies into regional and global value chains.
A Decisive Step Toward Regional Integration in West Africa
As the project approaches its planned completion in 2026, it is emerging as a benchmark for transport and logistics policies in West Africa. By improving connectivity between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire, it strengthens the competitiveness of the Bamako–San Pedro corridor and consolidates the role of infrastructure as the backbone of African trade and supply chains.
For policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders, this project clearly demonstrates how African logistics corridors can become sustainable engines of economic growth and continental integration.
