Extension of the northern motorway from Tafiré to Ferkessédougou: Côte d’Ivoire and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) sign a financing agreement of approximately 130 billion FCFA

The Minister of Planning and Development, Souleymane Diarrassouba, and the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, signed an agreement on June 19 in Baku for the financing of around 130 billion FCFA to support the construction of the Tafiré–Ferkessédougou section of the motorway corridor linking Abidjan to the borders of Burkina Faso and Mali.

This additional funding brings the IsDB’s total contribution to approximately 1 billion US dollars for the development of this strategic corridor.

The 60-kilometre stretch, once completed, is expected to strengthen trade exchanges between Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Mali, while reinforcing the role of the Port of Abidjan as a regional logistics hub.

The government has made this connectivity a priority under the National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030, aiming for sustainable growth driven by competitiveness and territorial attractiveness.

Through the gradual development of the motorway corridor toward Burkina Faso and Mali, Côte d’Ivoire is enhancing West African economic integration, improving the flow of trade, and consolidating its position as a regional logistics platform.

“Infrastructure projects structurally shape a country’s economy. By connecting production zones to major regional markets and the Port of Abidjan, the Tafiré–Ferkessédougou corridor will enhance economic competitiveness, sub-regional integration, and development opportunities for the affected areas,” said Souleymane Diarrassouba.