• Program targets 15,000 km roads, improving access to services
• Aims to boost connectivity, cut travel times, support rural economy

The technical study phase for a rural road rehabilitation project in Côte d’Ivoire’s Kabadougou and Folon regions is underway, with the World Bank appointing CGECTRA to lead the work. The firm will also prepare the bidding documents. The contract is worth about 83.3 million CFA francs (around $148,750).

An Ambitious Multi-Phase Program

The project, titled the Inclusive Connectivity and Rural Infrastructure Project, is part of a multi-phase program to rehabilitate and maintain about 15,000 km of rural roads and related infrastructure across 11 regions.

The World Bank says the objective is to ensure that at least 90% of the population lives within five kilometres of an all-weather road.

The program also aims to improve access to basic services by connecting all health facilities and schools to roads that are passable year-round in the regions of Bafing, Bagoué, Béré, Bounkani, Folon, Gontougo, Hambol, Kabadougou, Poro, Tchologo and Worodougou.

“In some targeted regions, more than 50% of the population travels over five — and sometimes up to 10 — kilometres, often on foot, to reach a usable road. This situation has significant economic and social impacts, affecting not only the transport of agricultural products but also access to schools and health centres,” the World Bank said.

Broader Economic and Social Benefits

The project is expected to support the development of economic hubs, reduce travel times and improve ambulance access to rural health centres, facilitating patient transfers to referral hospitals.

It builds on recent investments aimed at expanding the country’s road network. In urban areas, projects such as the Abidjan Urban Transport Project (PTUA) have delivered major infrastructure, including the fourth and fifth bridges, as well as several interchanges and road sections.

Separately, the Road Maintenance Programme (PER), managed by the Road Management Agency (AGEROUTE), covers the rehabilitation of more than 27,000 km of dirt roads in Abidjan and across the country over the 2023-2025 period.

According to AGEROUTE, Côte d’Ivoire’s road network extends over more than 82,000 km, carries nearly 90% of transport activity and accounts for about 5% of GDP.

Henoc Dossa