The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in the ECOWAS region, under the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) have called for the development of the ECOWAS Railway network that would link all its member countries. This project is expected to supplement the existing road networks in the region.
The proposal of this ambitious railway project was made at the end of their inaugural exhibition and workshop. This took place from the 21st to the 23rd of November in the capital of Ivory Coast, Abidjan.
As revealed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the event was organized by the ESBC in partnership with ECOWAS Commission and the Ministry of Commerce and industry. The intention of the event was to bring together the small business operators across the ECOWAS region.
What is the ECOWAS Railway Project?
The ECOWAS Railway project is an ambitious initiative that has an aim of constructing a regional railway network. This railway project is expected to pass through all the 15 member states of ECOWAS. This project was first announced in the year 2020 during ECOWAS Commission’s efforts to construct a regional railway network.
The scope of the project entails the construction of a 1,178-kilometer rail that will link Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Current Status of the Project
This ambitious railway project is being implemented in phases. The initial phase of this project focuses on the construction of a railway line that runs from Aflao (Ghana) in the East to Elubo (Ghana) in the West. This railway section is expected to cover approximately 530 kilometers.
The funding of this project is being supported by quite a number of stakeholders which include the ECOWAS Commission, African Development Bank (AfDB) and other regional international partners.
The Future Plans of the Project
Focusing on expansion of the project, the future phases of the project will entail the extension of the railway network to ECOWAS member states. Additionally, this railway project aims to incorporate both the sustainable practices and technologies. This will greatly help in minimizing environment impact and also ensuring its long-term viability.
Also read: Construction of $350m Cross River Railway Project Commences in Nigeria
What transpired the Idea of the Development of the ECOWAS Railway Network?
The coalition pointed out the challenges SMEs were facing during the transportation of goods and services within the ECOWAS region. They stressed on the need for better communication and a clearer comprehension of the existing cross-border policies. Furthermore, they also called for the need of an improvement in the movement of both goods and people.
Similar Projects
With this reveal of the ECOWAS Railway Project, this clearly shows that the development of regional railway projects is gaining momentum in Africa. Just recently, the East Africa Committee revealed its ambitious plans of developing a standard gauge railway network that will run through all its 8 member states.
Development of this railway is expected to bring economic integration within East Africa. This will therefore strengthen the existing diplomatic ties among the member states. Countries such as Kenya and Tanzania have been key players in the implementation of this project. Kenya was the first country among the EAC member states to develop the SGR project. Tanzania joined the race and marked a big milestone in the development of the regional SGR project as it became the first country in the region to develop a fully electrified SGR network.
Recently, Uganda inaugurated its SGR project in Tororo thereby joining the race of the development of this regional SGR network.
Significance/Benefits of Developing the Railway Network in the ECOWAS Region
- Economic growth within the ECOWAS member states: this railway will greatly facilitate the transportation of both goods and services among the member states. This will bring forth both economic integration and growth by enabling efficient transportation of raw materials and finished products.
- Enhance regional connectivity: this railway project would enhance connectivity between cities and trade zones in the region. This would therefore promote both social and economic ties. Moreover, the improved connectivity can lead do development of new markets and also business opportunities.
- Creation of employment opportunities: both the construction works, and maintenance works of this railway infrastructure will create jobs for people in the region.
- Growth of cities and towns: this railway infrastructure can lead to the development of urban centers where it passes. This would eventually lead to the improvement of general infrastructure, housing, and public services in the region.
