A transnational supercity is emerging in southern West Africa, 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 cities within the corridor are among the most economically developed of their respective countries.....Read Full Article>>
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 new project, 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 Nigeria, 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 Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
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 EU 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 European Union External Action.
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