By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
West African leaders are poised to embark on an ambitious infrastructure project that could redefine regional economic integration and potentially mend the fractures caused by recent political upheavals. As Ecowas (Economic Community of West African States) grapples with the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following military coups, a transformative plan to construct a 1,028km (689 miles) coastal superhighway from Abidjan to Lagos offers a glimmer of hope for restoring unity and fostering growth.
This highway, set to connect Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, symbolizes more than a logistical upgrade—it represents the resilience and ambition of the remaining Ecowas members. With $15.6 billion in funding pledged, construction is slated to begin in 2026, creating an estimated 70,000 jobs. The project aims to bolster trade and economic integration by linking major port cities and economic hubs, including Abidjan, Accra, Lomé, Cotonou, and Lagos. These urban centers serve as vital gateways for commerce in a region already recognized for its economic dynamism along the Gulf of Guinea.
The timing of this venture is critical. Ecowas, long regarded as one of Africa’s most cohesive regional blocs, has seen its credibility shaken by the withdrawal of three of its members, resulting in the loss of 76 million people and significant land area. Despite sanctions, diplomacy, and the threat of intervention, the military regimes of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain defiant, rejecting calls to restore civilian rule. The coastal highway, however, offers a non-political yet impactful solution by underscoring the advantages of regional collaboration and economic development.
The proposed highway, along with plans for a parallel railway line, promises to revolutionize transportation and trade across the region. Existing challenges at border crossings, such as bureaucratic delays and petty corruption, are already being mitigated by modernized one-stop frontier posts. The new infrastructure will further enhance efficiency, promoting competitiveness and integration that could attract significant investor interest.
Historically, infrastructure and economic collaboration have been powerful tools for fostering political unity. The European Union's evolution from a common market into a cohesive bloc transformed trade and governance across Europe, offering a compelling precedent for Ecowas. By creating a vibrant and prosperous economic zone, the remaining Ecowas members could entice the dissident states back into the fold, leveraging economic growth as a unifying force.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, while politically detached, remain deeply interconnected with coastal economies. These landlocked nations rely on their southern neighbors for transport, trade, and labor migration. Agricultural products from the Sahel, such as livestock, onions, and potatoes, flow to coastal markets, while manufactured goods from the south move in the opposite direction. The economic interdependence remains intact, even as political tensions persist.
Although the dissident states have withdrawn from Ecowas, they have yet to sever all regional ties, including their participation in the West African CFA franc. This currency union, while limiting competitiveness, provides financial stability and underscores the enduring economic connections. By accelerating regional prosperity through initiatives like the coastal highway, Ecowas could rebuild trust and demonstrate the tangible benefits of collaboration, setting the stage for eventual reintegration.
This highway is more than just a road—it is a lifeline for the region’s economic future and a potential catalyst for political reconciliation. If successfully executed, it could help bridge the divide and reaffirm a shared West African identity.
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