Côte d’Ivoire and Japan on Friday signed a 6.5 billion CFA franc (US$11.69 million) agreement to upgrade road maintenance equipment in the Greater Abidjan area, officials said.
The grant, provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will fund the acquisition of modern road maintenance machinery and specialized technical services. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow, logistics, and overall road safety in the Ivorian economic capital.
Japanese Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Gomakubo Junji described the project as “strategically significant” for sustaining Abidjan’s expanding infrastructure network. “This grant is designed to enhance road maintenance capacity and improve transport efficiency across the city,” he said.
Ivorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nialé Kaba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring transparent and efficient implementation of the program.
The project comes amid a period of rapid infrastructure growth in Côte d’Ivoire. By the end of 2024, the government reported that 52 percent of new paved roads planned under the annual program had been completed, while reinforced road projects reached 91 percent completion. Overall, 75 percent of planned infrastructure works across the country were achieved.
JICA will manage the project, providing technical expertise and equipment necessary to strengthen road maintenance capabilities across Greater Abidjan. The focus will include modern machinery, training for operational personnel, and the introduction of specialized maintenance services to improve the longevity and quality of road surfaces.
The cooperation reflects decades of bilateral relations between the two countries, established in the 1970s, with shared goals of accelerating sustainable economic development and promoting a secure and stable society. Previous collaborations include large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Japan-Côte d’Ivoire Friendship Intersection Shinzo Abe.
Officials said the project is expected to enhance urban mobility, reduce congestion, and improve the efficiency of freight and passenger transport. Strengthened maintenance operations will also extend the lifespan of roads, lowering repair costs and improving public safety.
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Abidjan, home to more than five million residents, has seen rapid urban expansion in recent years, placing growing pressure on its transport network. The grant from Japan is part of a wider effort to modernize public infrastructure and support Côte d’Ivoire’s long-term economic growth strategy.
The Japanese government has increasingly focused on infrastructure and technology partnerships in West Africa, and this project underscores its commitment to supporting sustainable development initiatives in the region.
The Abidjan road equipment program is expected to be implemented over the coming months, with JICA providing both machinery and technical services, while the Ivorian authorities oversee project management, monitoring, and local workforce training.
By combining financial support, technical expertise, and administrative oversight, officials aim to ensure the project delivers tangible improvements for Abidjan’s roads, benefiting both commuters and commercial activities throughout the city.
