le projet de transport PTUA, un investissement phare de la BAD
Summary: Urban Transport Development in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire is set to host the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings in 2025, highlighting its pivotal role as a beneficiary of the AfDB’s support for significant structural projects. Notably, the Urban Transport Project of Abidjan (PTUA) has showcased substantial socio-economic impacts, paving the way for other African nations to draw inspiration.
As the AfDB Annual Meetings commence, a group of African journalists is visiting the PTUA, designed to alleviate urban congestion in Abidjan. This critical infrastructure project aims to enhance the country’s GDP growth by 1.5% annually. By managing substantial traffic along the Yopougon-Abidjan port route, the project positions Abidjan as a gateway not only for Côte d’Ivoire but also for landlocked neighboring countries.
The PTUA was approved in two phases between 2016 and 2018, with 74% of the €567.7 million funding sourced from the AfDB, complemented by €118.76 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project encompasses over 88 kilometers of express highways slated for completion by 2024, alongside the refurbishment of 89 intersections. These infrastructural enhancements are set to improve traffic flow, accessibility, and urban mobility, all contributing to an enhanced quality of life in Abidjan and a decrease in traffic accidents.
The PTUA is heralded as a transformative initiative for public transport in the Ivorian capital, incorporating expressways, toll stations, and modernized intersections, including overpasses and suspended bridges to ensure smooth traffic movement. A notable feature is the new 1,400-meter-long Fourth Bridge in Abidjan, which drastically reduces travel time from three hours to just ten minutes, alleviating long-standing traffic congestion.
Beyond physical infrastructure, PTUA incorporates significant environmental and institutional investments aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 904,000 tons annually. It also aids the local traffic authority’s efforts and strengthens operational capabilities against illegal activities, particularly in protected areas like Banco Natural Park.
An intelligent transport system has been introduced, featuring synchronized traffic lights and monitoring radars managed from a centralized command center. Additionally, the project has successfully relocated over 29,000 households and reclaimed hundreds of hectares for development while emphasizing socio-economic integration and flood resilience.
Supported by AfDB’s "High 5" strategy, which combines infrastructure development with environmental and human capital considerations, the PTUA serves as a potential blueprint for other African metropolises. Ivorian officials have expressed that the project is not merely a road initiative but a catalyst for youth employment, climate resilience, and regional integration. The collaboration with AfDB and other partners is viewed as mutually beneficial and a model for other African nations seeking funding for substantial projects.
Between 2015 and 2024, the AfDB’s commitments to Côte d’Ivoire have grown significantly from $460 million to $3.1 billion, covering various sectors including transport, energy, agriculture, health, education, and climate resilience. This ongoing investment illustrates the commitment to sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire.
In summary, the Urban Transport Project of Abidjan stands as a pivotal development initiative, reflecting the broader impact of the AfDB in supporting infrastructure projects that spur economic growth and enhance living conditions.
