IsDB Board Approves $1.365bn to Expand Abidjan–Lagos Road, Spur Infrastructure in 12 Countries

Sunday Okobi

The Board of Executive Directors of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved a new package of projects totalling approximately $1.365 billion for 12 member countries.

The board, chaired by IsDB President, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, the 363rd BED, endorsed 14 operations that supported development projects covering renewable energy and cross-border power links, key transport corridors, water security and agriculture, as well as education and health services.

The IsDB, in a statement, said the approvals were aimed at strengthening economic resilience, improving access to essential services, and advancing progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to the statement made available to THISDAY yesterday by IsDB Communication Director, Ahmed Abu Ghazeleh, “In the transport sector, major financings include    EUR306.89 million for Benin’s Godomey–Ouidah–Hillacondji Road Capacity Expansion and Upgrading Project, aiming to strengthen a strategic section of the Abidjan–Lagos corridor.”

It added that Côte d’Ivoire would receive     EUR200 million in financing, which will be allocated to upgrade the Tafiré–Ferkessédougou section of the A3 highway, improving a key route that serves trade and mobility between central and northern regions and neighbouring landlocked countries.

The statement added, “Also, Bahrain will receive US$180.72 million for the King Faisal Highway Upgrade Project in Manama that will eventually ease congestion and improve urban mobility, while Lebanon will benefit from US$13.50 million to construct the Bqerqasha Diversion and upgrade the Bqerqasha–Bcharre road, improving access and road safety for local communities.

“In the energy sector, Uzbekistan will benefit from a total of US$110 million for the Samarkand I and Samarkand II utility-scale solar photovoltaic and battery storage projects, which will add large solar capacity and storage to the national grid.”

It said, “Mauritania, meanwhile, will receive            EUR55.19 million for the Mauritania–Mali Electricity Interconnection and related solar power plants, linking the two power systems and supplying cleaner, more reliable electricity to communities such as Aweinat and Nema.

“In addition, several approvals directly address water stress and food security. In Morocco, IsDB has approved EUR188.82 million for the Mitigating Water Stress Project to finance dams and related works that secure water supplies and transfer surplus water from northern basins to more stressed regions in the south.

“The country will also receive EUR18.23 million for the Inland Aquaculture Value Chain Development Project to expand inland fish farming and create new income and employment opportunities.”

The IsDB board stated, “Sierra Leone will receive EUR25.93 million allocated to the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project to improve water and sanitation services in Greater Freetown and restore key watershed areas.

“Cameroon will receive EUR36.66 million for the Sustainable Irrigation and Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, which will support climate-resilient irrigation, better inputs, and improved rural infrastructure.

“The Rural Employment and Agricultural Growth Programme (HOPE) in Jordan will benefit from a US$11.25 million financing that supports rural jobs and agricultural productivity, with a focus on women and youths through better access to finance, skills, and stronger market links.”

The IsDB board also disclosed that it approved targeted investments in health and human capital development, adding, “In Mauritania, EUR 61.41 million was allocated for the establishment of a Referral Hospital for Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health in Nouakchott, a 440-bed facility that will expand access to specialised care for women and children.

“Tajikistan will receive US$13.95 million to finance the Tourism Business Education Development Project that aims to upgrade tourism and hospitality education and strengthen a national centre that will eventually serve as a regional hub for training with a focus on Halal tourism.

“Furthermore, Pakistan will receive US$10.00 million ISFD to support the Out-of-School Children Project in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to restore the right to education for out-of-school children in Azad Jammu and Kashmir by expanding equitable access to inclusive, quality, and climate-resilient learning opportunities.

“These significant approvals demonstrate the IsDB’s steadfast support to its member countries in closing infrastructure gaps, expanding access to essential social services, accelerating the energy transition, and strengthening community development.”