New African bridge and highway connections

New African highway and bridge connections are being planned, which will improve transport between many nations. One highly important project will see the construction of a 3,300km route linking Chad, the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Another project being discussed is a new bridge linking Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

A cost of more than US$1.7 billion is expected for the new road link for Chad, the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. The work will be carried out in two stages. The first of these stages is costing $1.2 billion and will see 118km of road being built in Chad, 289km of road being built in the Republic of Congo and 312km of road being constructed in the Central African Republic.

The highway project is one of 11 considered highly important for economic development in Central Africa by the Economic Community of Central African States. Road maintenance works meanwhile will also improve transport. Works will also be carried out in Gabon.

Meanwhile a new bridge is planned to span the Luapula River and connect Zambia with DRC. The new link between the two countries will help trade and also provide an additional boost to the mining industry, which is important to the economies of both nations.