Lomé-Cotonou Road Rehabilitation (Phase 2) and Coastal Protection Project (Benin-Togo)

The Lome-Cotonou Road Rehabilitation and Coastal Protection Project (Phase II) is part of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, which has been identified as the backbone of the subregion’s economic and social development and is therefore considered the top priority of the African Union’s Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and ECOWAS’ Regional Transport Facilitation Program. This project concerns the Lomé – Cotonou section of this corridor, which is also a key link in the CU1 Community Road of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). It marks a new step in the protection of the entire Togolese and Beninese coastline as it will provide the two countries with a coherent, comprehensive and multidimensional program to fight against coastal erosion. Phase I, already underway, concerns the development of the Pahou-Ouidah-Hillacondji section in Benin, as well as the construction of a juxtaposed control post (PCJ) at the border between Togo and Benin. Phase II, which is the subject of this funding, focuses on the development of the Avépozo – Aného section (30 km) into a 2 x 2 lane road that will complete the missing link on the Togolese portion of the corridor. The project also includes (a) coastal protection works, including the construction of 28 groins and the replenishment of sand , as well as coastal protection studies in Togo and Benin, (b) related developments and activities in favor of youth and women, (c) transport and transit facilitation measures, equipment of the juxtaposed checkpoints, training/awareness-raising of border services and users, and (d) support for project management and monitoring. The project will be implemented between January 2017 and December 2021.