Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Development of an integrated multimodal transport corridor connecting Praia (Cape Verde) to Dakar (Senegal) and Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) through maritime and road links. The project includes port facilities improvements, development of shipping routes, and modernization of road infrastructure to create a seamless transportation network across Western Africa. This corridor is designed to strengthen regional integration by connecting island states with coastal and inland countries, reducing transportation costs and improving trade logistics.
Objectives
Create an integrated multimodal transportation network linking insular and coastal West African states, improving regional connectivity and trade; reduce transit times and transportation costs between major economic centers; enhance the integration of Cape Verde into the mainland West African economy; improve port and maritime infrastructure to support efficient cargo and passenger movements; develop supporting road infrastructure along key segments of the corridor; facilitate cross-border trade through improved logistics and customs procedures; support implementation of the AfCFTA by enhancing transport infrastructure; and create sustainable employment opportunities through improved trade and economic activity.
Strategic Importance
This multimodal corridor represents a key infrastructure initiative for implementing the ECOWAS regional integration agenda and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By connecting island states with continental markets, the project addresses isolation challenges while strengthening regional value chains and trade opportunities. The corridor supports diversification of trade routes, enhances resilience to external shocks, and significantly reduces logistics costs, particularly for Cape Verde which currently faces high import/export costs due to limited connectivity. The project aligns with PIDA's focus on transformative regional infrastructure and contributes to multiple SDGs including SDG 9 (Infrastructure), SDG 8 (Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships).
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
The project will utilize modern multimodal transport systems including upgraded port facilities with container terminals capable of handling post-Panamax vessels, roll-on/roll-off facilities for vehicle transport, improved ferry services for passenger transport, and modernized road infrastructure meeting regional standards including ECOWAS ISRT (Inter-State Road Transit) requirements.
Capacity & Size
Maritime segment: Regular shipping service capable of handling 125,000 TEU annually by 2030; Passenger capacity of 150,000 annually; Road segments: Total corridor length approximately 1,650 km; Port facilities: 3 major port upgrades, 4 secondary port improvements
Technical Details
Port facilities upgrades to accommodate vessels up to 50,000 DWT; Road infrastructure components to meet international and regional standards with AASHTO specifications; Modern intermodal terminals with digital tracking capabilities; Cross-border facilities with single-window processing systems; Environmental sustainability features including renewable energy utilization for terminal operations and water conservation systems
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Pre-feasibility studies (2023-2024); Detailed feasibility and design studies (2024-2026); Transaction structuring and financing (2026-2027); Phased implementation (2027-2035)
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-06-26 — APA News: technical validation sessions scheduled in Dakar for 25–28 June 2025 to refine corridor design/implementation roadmap and financing packaging. [https://apanews.net/praia-dakar-abidjan-corridor-project-nears-technical-validation/]
Financing Structure
The project is expected to utilize a blended financing approach with contributions from multilateral development banks (AfDB, World Bank), bilateral development agencies, ECOWAS infrastructure funds, and private sector investments through PPP arrangements for specific components (particularly port operations and shipping services). Technical assistance grants are being sought for project preparation activities.
Capital Structure
Estimated public sector financing: 65%; Private sector participation: 35%, primarily for maritime operations, port facilities, and logistics hubs.
Project Timeline
Start Date
June 2023
Expected Completion
December 2035
Development Timeline
Pre-feasibility studies (2023-2024); Detailed feasibility and design studies (2024-2026); Transaction structuring and financing (2026-2027); Phased implementation (2027-2035)
Project Status History
Status 2020
Structuring
Status 2022
Pre-Feasibility
Status 2024
Pre-Feasibility
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 8.40M
Construction Timeline
Port improvements and maritime components: 2027-2031; Road corridor development: 2028-2035; Cross-border facilities: 2029-2032
Legal & Financial Advisors
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and CPCS Transcom providing initial transaction advisory support; legal advisory services pending appointment
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
West African maritime and road transport demand is growing at approximately 6-8% annually, with particularly strong growth in container traffic. Cape Verde-mainland connections are currently underserved with high costs. The Dakar-Abidjan road corridor experiences significant traffic with potential for greater economic integration.
Market Demand
The corridor will serve approximately 80 million people across the participating countries with direct benefits to trade-oriented businesses, logistics providers, agricultural exporters, and consumers. Annual freight volume potential is estimated at 3.5 million tons by 2030.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
ECOWAS Commission with national implementation units in each participating country
Key Parties
ECOWAS Commission, Ministry of Transport (Côte d'Ivoire), Ministry of Infrastructure (Cape Verde), Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Senegal), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), National Road Agencies of participating countries
Investors
African Development Bank, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), European Investment Bank
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through competitive procurement following project structuring and financing
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Key risks include: coordination challenges across multiple jurisdictions; financing gaps for certain components; maritime safety and security concerns; climate change impacts on coastal infrastructure; potential delays in regulatory harmonization; varying levels of implementation capacity across countries. A comprehensive risk management framework is being developed with specific mitigation measures for each category.
Regulatory Risks
Requires harmonization of transport regulations, customs procedures, and technical standards across eight countries. ECOWAS is leading efforts to establish a Corridor Management Authority with legal mandate for cross-border coordination. Regulatory risks center on potential delays in adoption of harmonized frameworks and inconsistent implementation.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
The project will require comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for all major components. Particular attention will be given to coastal zone management for port developments, marine ecosystem protection for shipping routes, and roadside habitat preservation for highway components. Climate resilience measures will be integrated into all infrastructure designs.
Social Impact
Expected to generate approximately 45,000 direct and 120,000 indirect jobs across the corridor during construction and operation phases. Will significantly improve access to markets for agricultural producers, enhance tourism development opportunities, reduce consumer goods prices through lower transport costs, and strengthen cultural/commercial ties between island and mainland populations. Special attention will be given to inclusive growth opportunities for coastal communities and historically marginalized regions.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Significant opportunities exist for private sector participation in port operations, shipping services, logistics facilities development, fleet management, highway service areas, cross-border facilities management, and digital logistics platforms. The PPP framework being developed will provide specific structures for each project component.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete pre-feasibility studies; secure technical assistance funding for detailed feasibility studies; establish cross-country coordination mechanism; initiate stakeholder consultations and environmental/social impact assessments; develop PPP frameworks for private sector components
Offtake Agreements
Inter-governmental agreements between participating countries to establish consistent service levels, maintenance requirements, and operational standards across the corridor. Framework agreements with private operators for port and shipping services with performance-based metrics.
Contact Information
Abdou Salam Barange, Director of Infrastructure, ECOWAS Commission; Email: infrastructure@ecowas.int; Tel: +234 703 355 3946; Dr. Paulo Veiga, Minister of Maritime Economy, Cape Verde; Contact: ministerio.economia.maritima@gov.cv
