The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a loan of 115.66 million euros to finance the second phase of the Cross-border and Agricultural Areas Access Program, a strategic initiative that will unlock economic potential and strengthen regional integration in Côte d'Ivoire's border regions.
The program addresses critical infrastructure deficits in Côte d'Ivoire's cross-border areas, which, despite their considerable agricultural and forestry potential, remain isolated from main markets. Poor road conditions and inadequate transportation links force farmers to sell their products at significantly reduced prices or lose their entire harvest, while entire communities remain cut off from economic opportunities.
The investment will finance the construction and rehabilitation of key transport corridors, notably the Danané-Gbeunta road toward the Liberian border and the Zuenoula-Kongasso-Mankono agricultural road, as well as urban roads in cities crossed by these two road axes.
These strategic connections will enhance market access for rural farmers, foster cross-border trade, and solidify economic ties with neighboring countries, including Ghana and Liberia.
"This program represents a transformative investment in Côte d'Ivoire's agricultural competitiveness and regional integration," said Infrastructure and Urban Development Director Mr. Mike Salawou. "By connecting isolated communities to markets and improving cross-border infrastructure, we are creating pathways for sustainable economic growth while addressing security challenges in fragile border areas."
The initiative aligns with Côte d'Ivoire's robust economic performance, with the country maintaining strong GDP growth of 6.1% in 2024 and projected growth of 6.3% for 2025-2026. This sustained economic momentum provides a solid foundation for infrastructure investments that will accelerate development and poverty reduction.well as urban roads in cities crossed by these two road axes.
These strategic connections will enhance market access for rural farmers, foster cross-border trade, and solidify economic ties with neighboring countries, including Ghana and Liberia.
"This program represents a transformative investment in Côte d'Ivoire's agricultural competitiveness and regional integration," said Infrastructure and Urban Development Director Mr. Mike Salawou. "By connecting isolated communities to markets and improving cross-border infrastructure, we are creating pathways for sustainable economic growth while addressing security challenges in fragile border areas."
The initiative aligns with Côte d'Ivoire's robust economic performance, with the country maintaining strong GDP growth of 6.1% in 2024 and projected growth of 6.3% for 2025-2026. This sustaine
Beyond road infrastructure, the program will strengthen agricultural value chains by improving processing, storage and marketing facilities for agricultural products in project areas. This comprehensive approach addresses the full range of challenges facing rural communities, from agricultural production to getting products to markets.
The project builds on the Bank's expanding partnership with Côte d'Ivoire, with total financing commitments having quintupled from 448 million euros in 2015 to 2.317 billion euros in December 2024. This growth reflects both the country's post-crisis economic recovery and the strong performance of Bank-supported projects.
Cross-border infrastructure development supports broader regional integration objectives within West African economic structures. The program complements ongoing regional transport initiatives financed by the Bank, notably corridor projects linking Côte d'Ivoire to Guinea and Liberia.
Infrastructure improvements will create significant employment for youth and women during construction while establishing long-term economic foundations for border communities. Enhanced connectivity will stimulate legitimate trade while supporting government efforts to strengthen security in remote border areas.
For agricultural communities in project areas, improved roads mean faster market access, reduced post-harvest losses and higher incomes from agricultural production, as well as returns from agricultural product processing potentially multiplied by ten. The program promises to offer more economic opportunities for thousands of families while strengthening Côte d'Ivoire's position as a regional economic hub.
The African Development Bank Group remains committed to supporting Côte d'Ivoire's continued transformation through strategic infrastructure investments that promote inclusive growth, regional integration and sustainable development in West Africa.
