As political fractures deepen within the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), the bloc is pinning its hopes on an ambitious infrastructure project—a 1,028 km (689 miles) superhighway linking Ivory Coast to Nigeria.
Leaders gathered in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, for a crucial summit amidst the backdrop of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdrawing from the 15-member regional bloc. Efforts to reverse the exit of these military-led regimes have so far proven unsuccessful.
In contrast to this political setback, Ecowas is forging ahead with the construction of a coastal highway from Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s economic hub, through Ghana, Togo, and Benin, to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city. With construction set to begin in 2026 and $15.6 billion (£12.3 billion) in funding already secured, the project signals a renewed focus on economic growth and regional collaboration.
A Vision for Regional Prosperity
The concept of a modern transport corridor along the West African coast was approved eight years ago, well before the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger disrupted civilian governance. Recent preparatory studies, conducted by the African Development Bank, come at a time when Ecowas needs a unifying initiative to restore confidence and momentum.
Ecowas’ ability to influence the dissident states through diplomacy, sanctions, or threats of military intervention has waned. The departure of these countries represents a significant loss—76 million people, more than half the bloc’s landmass, and vast sections of the Sahara.
However, the superhighway project is more than just an economic initiative. It is a political statement by the remaining member states, showcasing their commitment to unity, trade growth, and investment in West Africa’s coastal regions, which already house the bloc’s most prosperous cities.
Economic and Political Implications
The highway, designed as a four-to-six lane motorway, is expected to create 70,000 jobs and significantly enhance regional trade. Completion is ambitiously targeted for 2030, with provisions to later add a railway line along the same route, connecting key port cities like Abidjan, Accra, Lomé, Cotonou, and Lagos.
These urban centers are already critical trade gateways for the region. Lagos alone has an estimated population of 20 million or more, while Abidjan, Accra, and Cotonou each host millions. The superhighway is poised to transform the ease and speed of travel and trade along the Gulf of Guinea, addressing longstanding issues like border inefficiencies and petty corruption.
Modernized one-stop border posts have already replaced outdated facilities at key crossings, reducing delays and improving transit experiences for drivers and passengers. The superhighway and its accompanying rail network promise to further enhance competitiveness, economic integration, and the region’s attractiveness to global investors.
Lessons from Europe
Ecowas’ superhighway project draws parallels to the European Union’s evolution from a trading bloc into a powerful engine of political and economic integration. Europe’s wealth and stability eventually attracted former communist states into its fold. Similarly, Ecowas hopes that prosperity driven by infrastructure development will entice Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to rejoin the bloc.
The dissident states face severe economic and security challenges and rely heavily on their coastal neighbors for trade, transport, and labor migration. Their landlocked geography underscores the strategic importance of regional collaboration.
A Symbol of Resilience
The highway represents more than a transport link; it symbolizes resilience and determination among Ecowas’ remaining members. By driving economic growth and fostering cooperation, the project could inspire the dissident states to reconsider their positions.
While challenges remain, the superhighway is a bold step toward reclaiming Ecowas’ reputation as Africa’s most cohesive regional bloc. Whether this vision succeeds in restoring unity will depend on its ability to deliver tangible benefits to the region’s people and economies.