An incredible new motorway is set to cross five countries on the coast of southern West Africa. (Image: Getty)
A transnational supercity is emerging in southern West , stretching across five independent states over a corridor of a staggering 600 miles.
A significant portion of West Africa’s economic output is generated within the area, and the within the corridor are among the most economically developed of their respective countries.
The region’s population is experiencing rapid growth. By the end of the 21st century, it could become the largest urban region with continuous settlement in the world, with up to half a billion inhabitants.
An incredible , the Abidjan-Lagos Highway, is set to cost $15.6 billion (£12.4 billion) and begin construction in 2025. It aims to promote regional economic integration between , Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
The motorway will have six lanes, connecting the dynamic cities of Abidjan, Accra, Cotonou, Lomé and Lagos – it’s been predicted that these five cities will merge over time, creating a megacity of urban sprawl along the West African Coast. The motorway will also link vibrant seaports to all landlocked countries in the region, namely , Mali and Niger.
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The motorway will promote regional economic integration between Nigeria and four other countries. (Image: Getty)
After the decolonisation of Africa, politically independent states emerged in the region, and urban growth accelerated. Migrants moved from the interior of Africa to the more developed coastal areas.
However, urban growth was largely unplanned and led to severe urban sprawl, as little investment was made into constructing multi-story housing.
In 2019, it was revealed that the was contributing $10.4 million (£8.25 million) to the motorway project, while the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a financing package of $12.6 million (£10 million).
The Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Kurt Cornelis, said the project perfectly fits into the framework of cooperation between the EU and Africa, particularly the West, according to .
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He said this cooperation aims to strengthen the territories’ competitiveness, stimulate investments, and encourage regional integration for growth and job creation.
“The stakes for the region are high, as this corridor links five West African countries, connecting the region’s main ports and two lines, as well as several North-South corridors, as well as serving directly four further countries in the hinterland,” Cornelis said.
Noting that the development of trade and industrial production will directly benefit the local population, Mr Cornelis said that he informed the EU’s decision to donate nearly 45% of the budget of this preparatory project.