In September 2020, Senegal announced a major project to build a modern freeway linking Dakar, Diamniadio and Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). This freeway, commonly referred to as “the freeway of the future”, aims to strengthen the country’s transport infrastructure and promote economic development in the Dakar region.
Here are the main points of this project:
Length of freeway: The freeway of the future is around 32 kilometers long, linking the Senegalese capital, Dakar, to the new town of Diamniadio and Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). This freeway is designed to considerably reduce journey times between these destinations, thus improving passenger mobility and freight transport.
Financing :
Project cost 677,818 M FCFA :
BOAD: 53,498 M FCFA (8%) ;
Equity: 82,289 M FCFA (12%) ;
Other lenders (IFC, ADB, CBAO, Société Générale and Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF)): 224,038 M FCFA (33%) and iv) State: 317,993 M FCFA (47%)
Economic impact: The Highway of the Future is seen as a key project for stimulating economic development in the Dakar region. By improving connectivity between the city, the new town of Diamniadio and the airport, this freeway facilitates the transport of people and goods, encouraging investment, trade and business development.
Urban development: The construction of this freeway is accompanied by an urban development plan for the town of Diamniadio. This new town is becoming a hub of economic growth and industrial development, and the freeway will strengthen its connectivity with Dakar.
Sustainability: The Autoroute de l’avenir project incorporates environmental sustainability considerations, including measures to minimize impacts on the local environment and promote efficient management of natural resources.
The Dakar-Diamnadio-AIBD highway of the future project is an essential part of Senegal’s vision for economic development and improved transport infrastructure. It facilitates mobility within the Dakar region and contributes to the country’s overall economic growth by strengthening links between the main economic centers and Blaise Diagne international airport.
