As West Africa grapples with political upheaval and a series of military coups, a bold infrastructure project may hold the key to rekindling unity and driving economic growth. Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) convened in Abuja, Nigeria, for a crucial summit, facing both the morale-sapping departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc and the ambitious opportunity to transform the region with a 1,028km highway linking major coastal cities.
A Blunt Challenge to Regional Unity
The departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from Ecowas has dealt a significant blow to the bloc’s cohesion. Once Africa’s most politically integrated regional grouping, Ecowas now faces the loss of 76 million people, more than half its geographical land area, and vital links to the Sahara. This departure has fueled concerns about the future of regional governance and integration.
“Ecowas has been a cornerstone of stability in the region,” said Amina Touré, a political analyst based in Dakar. “The withdrawal of these countries challenges the bloc’s credibility and its ability to mediate crises effectively.”
Despite diplomatic efforts led by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a nationalist-leaning envoy, the military rulers in these nations remain defiant, portraying the bloc as bullying and arrogant. Their stance has resonated domestically, boosting their popularity but exacerbating tensions within the region.
A Highway to Prosperity and Integration
Against this backdrop of political fragmentation, the proposal to build a modern transport corridor connecting Abidjan, Accra, Lomé, Cotonou, and Lagos offers a counter-narrative of hope. Originally approved eight years ago, the $15.6 billion project aims to enhance trade and foster economic integration among coastal nations. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2030.
This ambitious initiative is not just about infrastructure—it is a statement of resilience and intent. By linking some of West Africa’s largest cities and busiest ports, the highway promises to create 70,000 jobs and catalyze trade along the Gulf of Guinea. Additionally, plans for a railway along the same route could further solidify economic ties and reduce logistical bottlenecks.
“Projects like this highway are critical,” said Kofi Osei, a trade expert from Accra. “They show that even in the face of division, collaboration is possible and beneficial.”
Economic Ties That Bind
The interdependence between Sahelian and coastal nations remains undeniable. Livestock from Mali and Niger feeds urban centers along the coast, while manufactured goods flow in the opposite direction. Millions of Burkinabès and Malians work in Ivory Coast’s cocoa plantations, underscoring the deep social and economic links that transcend political borders.
Despite their withdrawal from Ecowas, the coup-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have not exited the West African CFA franc currency system, backed by France. This enduring financial connection highlights the complexities of their relationship with the bloc.
Overcoming Barriers and Building Trust
While the highway project symbolizes progress, significant challenges remain. Critics argue that infrastructure initiatives in the region often face delays, mismanagement, and corruption. Local communities also express concerns about land acquisition and environmental impact.
“To ensure success, transparency and community engagement will be key,” said Mariama Doumbia, a civil society leader in Bamako. “Without these, even the best-laid plans risk alienating the people they are meant to benefit.”
Nonetheless, reforms are underway to address bureaucratic inefficiencies. Modern one-stop border posts, where officials from neighboring countries collaborate to streamline transit procedures, are already replacing outdated systems, reducing delays and petty corruption.
Looking to the Future
The coastal highway’s potential impact extends beyond economics. Like the European Union’s market integration, it could serve as a political beacon, encouraging governance reforms and fostering regional unity. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of cooperation, Ecowas may eventually entice its northern dissidents back into the fold.
“Rising prosperity in coastal West Africa could be the best argument for reunification,” said Touré. “It’s not just about trade; it’s about creating a shared vision of progress.”
With its mix of ambition and pragmatism, the highway project offers a roadmap—not just for travel, but for a renewed sense of purpose and partnership across West Africa.
