In a boost to infrastructure in West Africa, the upgrade of the Lomé-Cotonou road, a crucial link in the Abidjan-Lagos coastal highway, is transforming connectivity and commerce, particularly between Togo and Benin. This African Development Bank-funded project is not just about smoother roads – it’s about improving lives, boosting economies, and fostering regional integration.

In 2011, the Bank provided a $63 million loan and a $63.35 million grant from the African Development Fund to finance the project, which entails road upgrades and coastline protection work. Phase 1 of the project, which was completed in 2022, saw remarkable upgrades along the Pahou-Ouidah-Hillacondji section in Benin, including the construction of a juxtaposed control post on the Togo-Benin border.

Phase 2 currently focuses on upgrading the 30 km Avépozo-Aného section in Togo. The works include introducing dual carriageways for eastbound and westbound traffic to eliminate bottlenecks that have long plagued the route.

The road is a part of the Abidjan-Lagos coastal highway, an essential artery for economic and social development that connects the two largest cities of Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as several West African countries. The impact of these upgrades is tangible for residents and regular commuters, including the 2.5 million people living between Lome and Cotonou.

Vitogo Salomon, a resident of Côte d’Ivoire’s Comoe district, recalls, “Before this upgrade, you thought twice before taking this road – it was an ordeal. Thanks to the government and the African Development Bank for carrying out this work.”

Adjinakoun Moïse, a driver on the Lomé-Cotonou section, agrees: “The road is very good now. We’d like it to be a dual carriageway, like the section from Aplahou to Aneho in Togo. A dual carriageway all the way to Hilacondji would be excellent. I thank the African Development Bank and the Government of Benin for helping to develop our country like this.”

Anani Bernard, a truck driver, notes: “Our road is straight and well made, but it’s too narrow–.we want this road to be widened as far as Hilacondji.”

Apart from transporters and daily commuters, the road enhancements will significantly benefit farmers and traders, opening up new production zones and facilitating smoother marketing of goods.