(ARISE IS ) - Formalized by the signing of a joint development agreement, the Lomé-Cinkassé road project will rely on the expertise of ARISE IS, the pan-African company designing, financing, building and operating critical infrastructure across Africa.

The agreement signed between ARISE IS, the leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, and the government of Togo formalizes the Lomé-Cinkassé road project. ARISE Infrastructure Services (ARISE IS), of which Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) is one of the main shareholders, will put its expertise at the service of the development of this axis which will eventually connect the capital of Togo to the border town with Burkina Faso, located 700km North.

Aligned with Togo’s National Development Plan (NDP), this significant construction project will provide the Togolese Republic with a modern road which will ease the transport of people and goods, boost domestic trade and increase road safety.

The JDA provides for:

• Concession starting with signing of the concession agreement (scheduled for Q3 2021)
• Construction of 2x2 lanes within 3 years after signing
• Total project costs to be estimated during preliminary studies and be borne by shareholders of the Project Company

As per the agreement, a Togolese-based company will be created to oversee the development of the project and launch the preliminary feasibility studies (incl. traffic, revenue modelling, technical studies, E&S analysis, insurance). Definitive feasibility studies and the signing of the concession agreement are expected for Q2 2021, with the view to start construction works by Q3 2021. Road building companies will be selected through a tendering process.

Sani Yaya, Minister of Finance for the Togolese Republic stated that: “This agreement is a significant milestone in the development of this road. Togo is embarked in an important infrastructure development process and we welcome this public-private partnership for the benefits of the Togolese people. Despite the global economic crisis induced by COVID-19, the Togolese economy continues to prove its ability to attract private investors as a result of the reforms undertaken.”

Alain Saraka (photo), Chief Strategy Officer at ARISE IS commented: “Our aim at ARISE IS is to provide pragmatic solutions to Africa’s infrastructure deficit and we are proud to implement this vision in Togo. This road development will bring a lot to the country and we thank the Togolese Government for its trust.”

About ARISE IS

ARISE Infrastructure Services (ARISE IS) is a joint venture between AFC and Olam International Ltd. ARISE IS brings capital, skills, expertise and technology to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects which address critical development needs. Committed to a net-zero climate impact, ARISE IS delivers sustainable and tailor-made infrastructure to support Africa’s rapid urbanisation and boost regional trade. ARISE IS is also developing Gabon’s Transgabonaise through the Société Autoroutière du Gabon (SAG), a 780 km road which will cross the country from East to West.