The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the route for a 3,164-kilometer highway linking the capital of Cape Verde, Praia, to Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire, passing through Dakar, Senegal. This project, which includes a 600-kilometer maritime connection, spans eight countries and aims to strengthen regional economic integration.

In February 2025, a technical workshop was held in Banjul, The Gambia, bringing together infrastructure experts, representatives from the concerned states, and financial partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID). The meeting validated the optimal highway route based on technical, economic, and environmental criteria.

ECOWAS representative Mr. Rémi Sousso emphasized that “this highway will transform economic interactions in the region and enhance competitiveness in the global market.” He also highlighted the importance of facilitating the free movement of people and goods to boost intra-African trade.

Discussions also focused on the need for a sustainable approach, integrating climate resilience solutions in line with the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

Additionally, the project's success depends on the involvement of local communities and the mobilization of both public and private financing.

This initiative is part of the broader Trans-African Highway (TAH7), which connects Cape Verde to Lagos, Nigeria, with a planned extension towards Central and East Africa, reaching Mombasa, Kenya (TAH8). This project reaffirms Africa’s commitment to infrastructure development, aligning with the African Union’s PIDA framework.