Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Development of a transnational six-lane dual-carriage highway spanning 1,080 km from Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) to Lagos (Nigeria), passing through Ghana, Togo, and Benin. This transformative infrastructure project will upgrade and standardize the busiest economic corridor in West Africa, connecting major economic centers and port cities. The highway will feature modern design standards with dedicated freight lanes, intelligent transportation systems, service areas, and border crossing facilities to enhance regional mobility, reduce transit times, and facilitate cross-border trade.
Objectives
Develop a modern highway corridor connecting five West African countries to enhance regional connectivity and reduce transit times; facilitate cross-border trade through improved infrastructure and border crossing procedures; reduce transportation costs along the corridor by at least 25% to enhance competitiveness; improve road safety through modern design standards and traffic management systems; enhance regional integration in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation; stimulate economic development along the corridor through improved accessibility; generate employment opportunities during construction and operation phases; and strengthen institutional capacity for regional infrastructure management.
Strategic Importance
The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway represents a flagship project for West African integration, connecting five countries that together account for over 75% of ECOWAS GDP. As the busiest transport corridor in the region handling over 75% of ECOWAS trade, the highway will serve as a critical backbone for regional economic development and integration. The project directly supports implementation of the AfCFTA by enhancing physical connectivity and reducing logistics costs. By linking major port cities and economic centers, the highway will strengthen regional value chains, improve access to markets, and enhance overall competitiveness. The corridor also carries significant socio-political importance by fostering cooperation among neighboring countries and demonstrating tangible benefits of regional integration to citizens. From an environmental and climate perspective, the modernized highway will reduce emissions through improved traffic flow, incorporate climate resilience features, and implement comprehensive environmental management systems.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
The highway will utilize modern design standards with advanced features including: segregated freight and passenger lanes in high-traffic segments; intelligent transportation systems for traffic management and safety; automated toll collection systems; smart border crossing facilities; climate-resilient pavement and drainage systems; and renewable energy utilization for lighting and facilities.
Capacity & Size
1,080 km six-lane dual carriageway highway; design capacity for up to 60,000 vehicles per day in peak sections; 15 major interchanges; 20 service areas and rest stops; 5 modern border crossing facilities with single-window processing capabilities; Integrated intelligent transportation systems along the entire corridor
Technical Details
Highway design specifications: 6-lane dual carriageway with 3.65m lanes; 2.5m hard shoulders; 5m central reservation; Design speed: 100-120 km/h (rural), 60-80 km/h (urban); Pavement: high-quality asphalt with 20-year design life; Bridges and structures: 100-year design life with seismic considerations; Drainage systems designed for 1-in-100 year rainfall events with climate change projections; Grade-separated intersections at all major road crossings; Advanced safety features including crash barriers, clear zones, and pedestrian facilities in populated areas
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Feasibility Studies launched in 2018; PPP Structuring Studies and Transaction Advisory Services to be launched in 2023; Detailed Engineering Design to be completed by 2025; Financing arrangements to be finalized by 2026; Construction to commence in phases from 2027
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-01-29 — 21st Experts & Steering Committee met in Lagos/Cotonou to review corridor design/procurement progress and member-state actions. [https://alchdp.com/]
2025-07-10 — GBC Ghana: project activities move into final design/feasibility wrap-up with 2025 programme to finalise detailed technical studies ahead of works packaging. [https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/africa/abidjan-lagos-highway-project/2025/]
Financing Structure
The Project is expected to be financed through a blended approach combining: multilateral development bank financing (AfDB, World Bank, EIB); bilateral development financing; national government contributions; private sector investment through PPP arrangements for specific segments and service facilities; and specialized climate financing for resilience elements. The financing structure will be defined in detail through PPP Structuring Studies currently being planned.
Capital Structure
Base infrastructure (70-75%): Public financing through sovereign loans and grants; Service facilities and operations (25-30%): Private sector investment through concessions and PPPs; The capital structure will vary by segment, with some commercially viable sections potentially attracting higher private participation.
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2018
Expected Completion
December 2033
Development Timeline
Feasibility Studies launched in 2018; PPP Structuring Studies and Transaction Advisory Services to be launched in 2023; Detailed Engineering Design to be completed by 2025; Financing arrangements to be finalized by 2026; Construction to commence in phases from 2027
Project Status History
Status 2020
Structuring
Status 2022
Pre-Feasibility
Status 2024
Structuring
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 15.00M
Construction Timeline
The 1,080 km corridor will be implemented in multiple segments for efficient execution: Phase 1 (Critical urban bypasses and congested segments): 2027-2030; Phase 2 (Main corridor segments): 2028-2033; Phase 3 (Border crossing facilities and intelligent transport systems): 2029-2032
Legal & Financial Advisors
CPCS Transcom providing technical and transaction advisory services; legal advisory services by multiple firms including Ashurst LLP and Trinity International LLP
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
The corridor currently handles over 50 million tons of freight annually, with growth projections of 8-10% per year. Passenger traffic exceeds 5 million vehicles annually. Current infrastructure is severely congested, with border crossing delays averaging 24-48 hours. A comprehensive Origin-Destination study completed in 2020 confirms significant latent demand constrained by existing infrastructure limitations. The corridor serves key economic centers with a combined GDP of over $700 billion, representing the economic heart of West Africa.
Market Demand
The corridor will directly serve approximately 200 million people across the five countries, with particular benefits for the 35 million people living in the major urban centers connected by the highway. Current traffic volumes range from 10,000 to 30,000 vehicles per day depending on the segment, with projections showing growth to 25,000-60,000 vehicles per day by 2040.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
ALCOMA (Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Management Authority)
Key Parties
ECOWAS Commission, Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Management Authority (ALCOMA), National Ministries of Infrastructure/Transport in the five participating countries, African Union PIDA Coordination
Investors
African Development Bank (AfDB), African Finance Corporation (AFC), European Investment Bank (EIB), ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), World Bank, Islamic Development Bank
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through international competitive bidding following project structuring and financing
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Major risks include: land acquisition and resettlement challenges in densely populated areas; coordination complexities across five countries; potential cost escalations; environmental sensitivities in coastal areas; security concerns in certain segments; capacity constraints within implementing agencies; and political transitions affecting implementation continuity. Risk mitigation strategies include phased implementation, robust governance frameworks, comprehensive stakeholder engagement, and technical assistance for institutional strengthening.
Regulatory Risks
Requires harmonization of design standards, axle load regulations, vehicle safety requirements, toll operations, and border crossing procedures across five countries with different legal systems. The establishment of ALCOMA provides a coordination mechanism, but regulatory risks remain regarding consistent implementation and enforcement of regional standards. Additional regulatory considerations include environmental compliance, land acquisition frameworks, and PPP enabling legislation.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
The project will require a Strategic Environmental Assessment for the entire corridor and segment-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessments. Key environmental considerations include: impacts on sensitive coastal ecosystems; management of construction materials and waste; water resource protection; climate resilience aspects; and air quality improvements through reduced congestion. Extensive mitigation measures will be implemented, including ecosystem restoration programs, advanced stormwater management systems, and environmental monitoring networks.
Social Impact
The highway is expected to generate over 90,000 direct jobs during construction and 30,000 permanent jobs during operation. Socioeconomic benefits include improved market access for agricultural producers, enhanced trade opportunities, reduced transport costs for consumers and businesses, new tourism development potential, and improved access to social services through enhanced mobility. The project will include dedicated programs to ensure benefits reach local communities through small business development, skills training, and inclusive employment practices.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Significant opportunities exist for private sector participation in construction and operations, including: toll road concessions for viable segments; service area development and operations; border post facility management; intelligent transportation systems implementation and management; engineering and technical services; and maintenance contracts for completed segments. The PPP framework being developed will provide specific structures for each project component.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete feasibility studies; launch PPP Structuring Studies and Transaction Advisory Services; develop corridor management institutional framework; finalize environmental and social impact assessments; secure financing commitments; establish regional implementation unit
Offtake Agreements
Inter-governmental agreements among the five participating countries establishing consistent operational protocols, maintenance standards, and toll/revenue sharing arrangements. A dedicated Corridor Management Authority (ALCOMA) has been established to oversee implementation and operations.
Contact Information
Engr. Mamoudou Harouna, Director of Infrastructure, ECOWAS Commission, Email: infrastructure@ecowas.int, Tel: +234-803-356-4201; Dr. Aboubakar Sidiki, Director General, ALCOMA, Email: info@alcoma.org; Garba Sani, Senior Programme Officer- Transport Infrastructure AUDA-NEPAD, Email: garbas@nepad.org
