Within the framework of a broader plan aimed at modernizing road connections between Benin and Togo, the West African Development Bank (BOAD) has granted a loan amounting to 30 billion FCFA. This funding is specifically allocated to the priority phase of the project, which concerns the doubling of the road linking Ouidah to Agonkanmey, a 7-kilometer segment belonging to the Ouidah – Hillacondji section (totaling 58.5 km) located in Benin.
The main objective of these works is to strengthen regional integration and stimulate the growth of trade within the West African region. Indeed, in addition to improving infrastructure and facilitating trade, the Ouidah-Agonkanmey road doubling project is expected to generate significant socio-economic benefits. According to BOAD estimates, the completion of these works should enable the creation of more than 1,550 direct and indirect jobs. Furthermore, indirect and induced added value of over 11,101 million FCFA per year is anticipated, as well as indirect and induced tax revenues in the order of 300 million FCFA per year. The project also includes an environmental compensation measure through a reforestation program.
The project involves transforming the current road into a dual carriageway (2×2 lanes), also including the construction of 3.5-meter sidewalks on each side. This road section is a component of the strategic Cotonou-Lomé axis, which itself is part of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.
The AfDB emphasizes that these investments in road infrastructure will generally contribute to intensifying trade between states and strengthening regional integration. As an example, on the Cotonou-Lomé axis, where the construction of a joint control post at the Togo-Benin border was carried out thanks to previous investments, the bank anticipates a significant reduction in travel time for heavy goods vehicles between the two capitals, from 11 to 5 hours once the projects are completed.
