• Japan grants $11.69 million for Abidjan road project

• JICA to supply maintenance equipment, specialized services

• Deal supports expanding infrastructure, long-standing bilateral ties

Japan and Côte d'Ivoire signed an agreement on Friday in Abidjan for a 6.5 billion CFA franc ($11.69 million) grant to support the Greater Abidjan Road Maintenance Equipment Improvement Project.

The project will be implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to strengthen road maintenance capacity across the Greater Abidjan network through the acquisition of modern equipment and the provision of specialized services.

The grant was “designed to improve traffic flow and logistics in Greater Abidjan,” Japanese Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire Gomakubo Junji said, describing it as strategically significant.

Ivorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nialé Kaba reaffirmed Côte d'Ivoire’s commitment to ensuring transparent and efficient implementation of the project.

The agreement comes as Côte d’Ivoire has significantly expanded its road network in recent years. By the end of 2024, 52% of the new paved roads planned under the annual program had been completed, while reinforced road projects were 91% complete. Overall progress on planned infrastructure works reached 75%.

Japan and Côte d’Ivoire established diplomatic ties in the 1970s. Their cooperation focuses on accelerating sustainable economic development and promoting a secure and stable society.

The initiative forms part of Japan’s broader infrastructure partnership with Côte d’Ivoire, including the construction of the Japan-Côte d'Ivoire Friendship Intersection Shinzo Abe.

Ingrid Haffiny