The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has renewed its drive for deeper regional integration through the ambitious Praia-Dakar-Abidjan motorway project, a transformative transport corridor designed to link multiple countries, ease the movement of goods and people, and strengthen cross-border trade.
At the opening of the 4th meeting of the Ministerial Steering Committee on the project, held on Friday, in Freetown, Denis Sandy, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Works and Public Assets, called on African nations to embrace “African solutions to African problems” in advancing the flagship regional initiative.
He stressed the need for a moderate but realistic budget to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
Sandy noted that ministers of public works and transport from the eight member states involved in the corridor remain committed to driving the project to completion.
“This is not just about building a road; it is about building the future of West Africa through stronger trade, connectivity, and integration,” he said.
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Sédiko Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, described the corridor as a cornerstone of the region’s economic transformation.
He emphasised that the project is a top priority for ECOWAS, aimed at consolidating the free movement of goods and people, accelerating market integration, and strengthening infrastructure and interconnectivity.
According to him, once completed, the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan motorway will span several countries, linking Cape Verde, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and beyond.
“It is envisioned as a catalyst for regional trade, investment, and job creation, while reducing transport costs and boosting competitiveness”, he added.
Douka noted that the corridor is central to transforming West Africa into a fully integrated and interconnected economic zone.
