The African Development Fund has approved $81 million in financing for a new interstate road connecting Labé and Mali in Guinea to Kédougou and Fongolembi in Senegal.
The funding comprises $41.47 million for Senegal and $39.46 million for Guinea and will support the construction of 240.71 km of climate-resilient asphalt roads—178.11 km in Guinea and 62.60 km in Senegal. Additionally, 150 km of rural feeder roads and 20.26 km of paved urban roads will be constructed.
“The African Development Bank is a strategic partner of the transport sector in the West African sub-region and beyond. The Bank plays a key role in financing transport-related projects in Senegal and Guinea, using its expertise in the sector for a variety of interventions,” Joseph Ribeiro, AfDB Deputy General Director for West Africa said.
The project aims to enhance regional integration, boost trade and improve market access for forestry, agro-pastoral and mining products. The road will also enhance connectivity for Mali, providing hauliers better access to the port of Conakry via the southern Dakar-Bamako corridor.
Co-financing will come from the Islamic Development Bank, the West African Development Bank and the governments of Senegal and Guinea.
