The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) inaugurated the 10‑member Governing Board of the Abidjan‑Lagos Corridor Management Authority (ALCoMA) in Abidjan, officially launching the operational phase of the Mega Abidjan‑Lagos Corridor Project.

During the session, delegates, including government officials and regional experts, were introduced to the Corridor Treaty, which outlines the project’s long‑term vision, its supranational status, and strategic objectives agreed upon by the Heads of State of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Participants reviewed technical studies on the planned highway and discussed key aspects such as trade and transport facilitation, spatial development planning, value chains, logistics systems, and anchor economic hub projects along the route. Representatives emphasised the importance of an integrated economic corridor model that goes beyond just building a road. Chris Appiah, Director of Transport for ECOWAS, highlighted how the project combines infrastructure development with trade facilitation and broader socio‑economic growth, while urging stakeholders to work tirelessly to realise the vision of a seamless cross‑border highway. Mike Salawou, Director for the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department at the African Development Bank Group, underlined the Bank’s role as the mandated lead arranger in mobilising funding, working closely with partners such as the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and others to ensure the project’s progress. 

The fourth-largest bridge project in Abidjan has greatly reduced traffic congestion, especially benefiting residents of Yopougon, the country’s most populous municipality with around two million people. The AfDB provided roughly €600 million (US$708 million) for the initiative, complemented by €103 million (US$121 million) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and €6.4 million (US$7.5 million) from the Global Environment Facility. Spanning 1,028 km, the Abidjan‑Lagos Corridor Highway is set to become a transformative regional artery connecting five West African countries and driving industrial growth and trade by 2030. The AfDB has played a pivotal role in preparing the project, offering technical assistance and US$25 million in early-stage funding as feasibility and structuring work nears completion.