Unpacking AfDB's integration strategy for West Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) recently approved $70 million for the Ebony Ring Road project in a bid to boost economic integration in West Africa. The project, which was approved in April, is set to link eight of the 13 communities within Ebony itself, spanning almost 200 kilometers and crossing the Babanda Road into Cameroon. This initiative aims to provide easy access for Ebony, Inugu, and other states to the Cameroon market and economy. Ebrima Faal, the Senior Director for Nigeria at AfDB, joined CNBC Africa's Esther Awoniyi to discuss the significance of this project and AfDB's broader integration strategy for West Africa. Faal highlighted the proactive approach of the Ebony government and transportation team, mentioning that most of the work on the Nigerian side of the project is already completed, with ongoing efforts to progress on the Cameroon side. The completion timeline for the Ebony Ring Road project is estimated to be within five years, reflecting the collaborative efforts between the AfDB and the government in speeding up procurement processes. Faal also emphasized the potential for other states to replicate similar projects to enhance connectivity with neighboring African and West African countries. Additionally, he mentioned the Nigeria-Benin project and the Rural Access Mobility Project in Cross River state as examples of initiatives aimed at linking rural communities to main roads, facilitating trade and market access for farmers. One of the transformative projects expected to enhance regional trade and integration is the Abidjan-Lagos Highway, approved by AfDB in partnership with the EU. This initiative aims to create a trade corridor that will unlock economic opportunities and promote cross-border trade within West Africa. Discussing the proposed regional integration strategy for West Africa, Faal outlined the focus on infrastructure development, power, trade facilitation, and financial integration in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He noted that key priorities include enhancing mobility, promoting trade facilitation, and breaking down barriers to free movement within the region. Faal cited the ECOWAS passport system as a step forward in enabling visa-free travel for West African citizens, emphasizing the need to scale up such initiatives for greater impact. Addressing the theme of regional integration for Africa's prosperity, Faal expressed optimism about the potential economic benefits and growth that could be achieved through successful implementation. He highlighted the progress made in the ratification of the agreement, with majority of countries signing and endorsing the initiative. Faal projected that rapid implementation could lead to a significant boost in manufacturing GDP in Africa by 2025. The AfDB remains committed to providing support and policy guidance to member countries as they navigate the complexities of regional integration negotiations, with a focus on sustaining momentum and fostering economic prosperity across the continent.