As essential links for intra-African trade and the implementation of the AfCFTA, trans-African corridors connect port infrastructure, industrial hubs, distribution networks and production areas. However, the World Bank noted in April 2025 that more than 40% of these routes are in poor condition, resulting in maintenance shortfalls of up to 3% of GDP in some countries. To address the challenges posed by population growth and rapid urbanization, the African Development Bank estimates annual investment needs at $130 billion, leaving an annual financing gap of $70 billion.
Trans-African highways are a critical component of the continent’s economic integration. They connect major ports, industrial zones, production hubs and African markets, while facilitating the movement of goods across borders. With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), improving these corridors has become a major priority to reduce trade costs and strengthen intra-African commerce.
“The effective interconnection of these various mechanisms will help streamline cross-border traffic, particularly movement between Cameroon and Chad.”
Albert Etoundi, President of the National Union of Freight Forwarders – Cameroon
According to a World Bank report published in April 2025, more than 40% of African roads are in poor condition, while maintenance shortfalls account for up to 3% of annual GDP in some countries. Against a backdrop of rapid population growth and accelerated urbanization, infrastructure needs have never been more pressing. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that approximately $130 billion needs to be invested annually, while available financing remains nearly $70 billion below this level.
“There was no problem on the Senegalese side. But now, between Kayes and Bamako, it is almost 700 kilometers. Yet across those 700 kilometers, there is currently hardly any infrastructure because the entire road is extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season. Before, you could cross the border and reach Bamako within 48 hours. Today, it can take a week.”
Diadie Wade, President of the Association of Licensed Container Transport Companies – Senegal
Essential to trade, Africa’s transport infrastructure remains fragile. The OECD indicates that logistics costs in sub-Saharan Africa are more than 50% above the global average, weighing on agricultural and industrial exports. Although intra-African trade currently accounts for only 15–20% of total trade, it is characterized by a significant share of manufactured goods. According to the World Bank, deeper liberalization of services—including transport, telecommunications, finance and professional services—could increase trade in services under the AfCFTA by 64% by 2035.
“The authorities decided in January 2024 to introduce an automated system for all transit operations, including personalized procedures. This has greatly facilitated the processing of declarations. Afterwards, they come to our office to request the mission order, which is signed within 24 hours. So the declaration processing itself is completed within 24 hours. There is also the deployment of tracking systems for transit shipments. Previously, mission orders could be signed but would remain pending until a customs officer was available to escort the goods. Today, with the TOP6 system, whose form is registered here and signed at the same time as the mission order, a tracking device is placed on the goods. The shipment is then monitored by the control center all the way to the border.”
Babacar Ndiour Dio, Head of the Transit, Transshipment and Re-export Office – Senegal
Trans-African roads represent a strategic lever for Africa’s economic integration. Their modernization, combined with simplified customs procedures, digitalization and stronger cooperation between states, could significantly improve the movement of goods. Ultimately, more efficient corridors could help reduce logistics costs, strengthen business competitiveness and support the growth of intra-African trade.
