The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced plans to invest $15 billion in the Lagos-Abidjan Highway Corridor. This project aims to improve regional trade and mobility across five West African nations.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the AfDB Group, held in Abidjan. Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, the AfDB President, emphasized the strategic impact of the corridor in transforming West Africa’s economy.
“As I complete my two five-year terms as President of the African Development Bank, I am proud of the legacy we are leaving behind,” Adesina said.
He highlighted key investments made under his leadership, including the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex in Morocco and feasibility studies for the Lagos-Abidjan Highway Corridor.
Major Highway to Boost Trade Across West Africa
The Lagos-Abidjan Highway Corridor will span 1,028 kilometers across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Once completed, it will reduce travel times, lower logistics costs, and enhance regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The African Development Bank is mobilizing $15 billion in investment interests for the Lagos-Abidjan corridor,” Adesina stated.
The project aligns with AfDB’s broader commitment to infrastructure development across Africa, including the Addis Ababa–Nairobi–Mombasa corridor and Tanzania’s $3.2 billion standard gauge railway.
AfDB’s Infrastructure Support Totals Over $55 Billion
Adesina reflected on AfDB’s contributions over the last decade, noting that the Bank has delivered $102 billion in financial support—46% of its total financing since 1964.
“We have provided over $55 billion for roads, railways, airports, ports, digital communications, health, water, and sanitation,” Adesina said.
Other notable AfDB-funded projects include the Senegambia Bridge, which reduced travel time from two days to ten minutes.
In Côte d’Ivoire, AfDB’s support grew by 500% over the last decade, funding projects like the Henri Konan Bédié Bridge and the 4th Bridge in Abidjan.
As his tenure nears completion, Adesina acknowledged strong backing from African leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. He praised the $500 million replenishment of the Nigeria Trust Fund.
“I will continue to serve Africa today and well into the future by God’s grace,” he said.
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