Experts gathered in Abidjan on Thursday at the opening conference of the 11th edition of the Babacar Ndiaye Trophy called for increased investment in road infrastructure across Africa.
Barthelemy Kouame, director-general of Acturoutes, urged collective mobilization to drive a new momentum in the development of road networks on the continent.
“Africa will not be able to fully realize its potential without massive and well-structured development of its roads and transport systems,” he said, welcoming growing awareness of the continent’s future needs.
For his part, Joseph N’Guessan, head of the infrastructure division for North and Central Africa at the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlighted the importance of strategic economic corridors supported by the institution.
According to him, these projects help strengthen connectivity between countries through a multimodal approach integrating roads, ports and airports, thereby contributing to regional integration, particularly in West Africa.
“Investing in roads means enhancing competitiveness, boosting trade and creating jobs, especially for young people,” he stressed.
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Meanwhile, Hamidou Sylla, director-general of Guinea’s Road Maintenance Fund, emphasized the need to establish sustainable mechanisms for financing and maintaining road infrastructure.
Launched in 2016, the Babacar Ndiaye Trophy is a pan-African initiative aimed at recognizing the efforts of stakeholders engaged in the development of roads and transport in Africa. It pays tribute to Babacar Ndiaye, former president of the AfDB, for his contribution to the transformation of the continent.
