AfDB Announces Fcfa 60 Billion Package to Finance Mali-Cote d'Ivoire Road Infrastructure Project

28 January 2016
Content from a Premium Partner
African Development Bank (Abidjan)

On January 25, 2016 in Bamako, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Mali reached an agreement on a FCFA 60-billion funding package, including a 40-billion FCFA loan and a 20-billion FCFA grant. The funding will be used to support a multi-national project aimed at improving road infrastructure and transport links along the Bamako-Zantiebougou-Kolondieba-Boundiali-San Pedro corridor between Mali and Cote d'Ivoire.

The agreement was signed by Hélène N'garnim-Ganga, AfDB Resident Representative in Mali, and Mali's new Minister of the Economy and Finance, Boubou Cissé. The event was also attended by Mamadou Hachim Koumaré, Mali's Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Integration.

This high-impact project will be with resources from the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Transition Support Facility (TSF). It involves the construction of 140 kilometres of improved asphalt roads, creation of a high-quality transport corridor between Bamako and the port of San Pedro in Cote d'Ivoire. The project is expected to open up Mali and to create improved transport links for both people and goods. The road passes through one of the country's major farming regions. It is a deliberately inclusive project with a social vocation. The works include the installation of public solar-powered lighting systems in a number of locations, the construction of multi-purpose centres for women's associations, and the provision of farm produce processing kits.

Other aspects of the project include the provision of drinking water wells, the development of 100 kilometres of rural footpaths, the renovation of health centres and the provision of medical equipment and supply of ambulances and three-wheeled vehicles to transport patients. It also includes the development of local markets with childcare facilities and the construction of bus stations.

The project also includes the building construction of urban roads in Kolondieba and a checkpoint, as well as a cattle market on the border between Mali and Côte d'Ivoire. It is the largest project of its type ever undertaken in Mali.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.