The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has given approval for a loan worth 115.66 million euros to support the second phase of the Cross-border and Agricultural Areas Access Program, an important project aimed at unlocking economic opportunities and enhancing regional integration in the border areas of Côte d'Ivoire.
The initiative focuses on addressing significant infrastructure gaps in Côte d'Ivoire's border regions, which, although rich in agricultural and forest resources, are still disconnected from major markets. Substandard road conditions and insufficient transport networks compel farmers to sell their goods at much lower prices or risk losing their entire crop, while entire populations remain excluded from economic prospects.
The funding will support the building and restoration of important transportation routes, particularly the Danané-Gbeunta road leading to the Liberian border and the Zuenoula-Kongasso-Mankono agricultural road, along with city roads that pass through these two road networks.
These key partnerships will improve market opportunities for rural farmers, promote trade between borders, and strengthen economic relationships with nearby nations such as Ghana and Liberia.
This initiative marks a significant investment in enhancing Côte d'Ivoire's agricultural competitiveness and regional connectivity," stated Mr. Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development. "By linking remote communities to markets and upgrading cross-border infrastructure, we are establishing routes for long-term economic development while tackling security issues in vulnerable border regions.
The initiative corresponds to Côte d'Ivoire's strong economic performance, as the country has sustained a GDP growth of 6.1% in 2024 and is expected to grow by 6.3% in 2025-2026. This continuous economic progress offers a strong base for infrastructure investments that will speed up development and reduce poverty, as well as urban roads in cities along these two road corridors.
These key partnerships will improve market access for rural farmers, promote trade between countries, and strengthen economic relationships with nearby nations such as Ghana and Liberia.
This initiative marks a significant investment in enhancing Côte d'Ivoire's agricultural competitiveness and regional integration," stated Mr. Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development. "By linking remote communities to markets and upgrading cross-border infrastructure, we are establishing routes for sustainable economic growth while tackling security issues in vulnerable border regions.
The initiative corresponds to Côte d'Ivoire's strong economic performance, as the country has sustained a GDP growth of 6.1% in 2024 and is expected to maintain a growth rate of 6.3% for 2025-2026. This sustained
In addition to road infrastructure, the initiative will enhance agricultural value chains by upgrading processing, storage, and marketing facilities for farm goods in targeted regions. This holistic strategy tackles the entire spectrum of issues affecting rural areas, from food production to transporting goods to markets.
The initiative expands the Bank's growing collaboration with Côte d'Ivoire, as total financial commitments have increased fivefold from 448 million euros in 2015 to 2.317 billion euros by December 2024. This increase highlights both the nation's economic revival following a crisis and the successful outcomes of projects backed by the Bank.
Cross-border infrastructure projects aid in achieving wider regional integration goals within the West African economic framework. The initiative supports existing regional transportation efforts funded by the Bank, particularly corridor developments connecting Côte d'Ivoire with Guinea and Liberia.
Infrastructure development will generate substantial job opportunities for young people and women during the construction phase, while laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth in border regions. Improved connectivity will boost legal trade and assist government initiatives aimed at enhancing security in isolated border areas.
For farming communities in the project regions, better roads lead to quicker access to markets, lower losses after harvest, and increased earnings from farming activities, with potential profits from processing agricultural products possibly rising tenfold. The initiative aims to create more economic prospects for thousands of households while enhancing Côte d'Ivoire's role as a key regional economic center.
The African Development Bank Group is still dedicated to aiding Côte d'Ivoire's ongoing development by making targeted infrastructure investments that encourage broad-based growth, regional cooperation, and long-term sustainability across West Africa.
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Tagged: Economy, Business and Finance, Cote d'Ivoire, Food and Agriculture, West Africa
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