The European Union is stepping up efforts to improve transport and trade connections between Africa and Europe through its Global Gateway strategy
A recent assessment by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) has identified 11 strategic transport corridor investments across Africa with the potential to improve mobility, trade efficiency, and regional development.
These corridor investments span over 30 countries and are designed to create smart, clean, and secure connections across digital, energy, and transport sectors. The initiative aligns with the EU’s goal of building new trade and investment partnerships while supporting Africa’s long-term economic and social growth.
Transport and accessibility
The JRC assessment found that improvements in transport and accessibility offer the most promising results across all corridor investments. Many regions are currently affected by rapid population growth, traffic congestion, poor road and rail infrastructure, and limited access to essential services like water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.
Investments in these areas can have a huge impact, cutting travel times, linking rural communities to urban centres, and allowing better access to markets and services. These improvements are particularly valuable in areas with low exposure to natural disasters and man-made risks such as conflict.
Environmental and economic possibilities
In addition to better transport, the corridor investments create opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity. The analysis highlights high levels of CO₂ emissions from transport, limited forest cover, and fast urban expansion as key environmental concerns. Investments aimed at sustainable mobility and conservation can help balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Economic productivity is another area of focus. The report highlights West Africa as particularly promising, with several under-connected regions showing high potential for development in agriculture, mining, and other productive sectors. Improved connectivity in these areas could unlock significant economic value and strengthen regional value chains.
Digital connectivity faces more hurdles
While transport and environmental goals show strong potential, digitalisation is a bigger challange. Establishing digital infrastructure requires a combination of factors such as existing development, population density, and low exposure to risks. In many regions, these conditions are not yet fully in place.
The study suggests a mixed approach to improve connectivity. Fibre networks may be more suitable in urban and coastal areas, while mobile networks using antennas could serve rural and remote regions more effectively. Tailored solutions based on local context are likely to offer the best outcomes.
Strategic corridors identified
The 11 identified corridors cover a wide geographical spread across West, Central, East, and Southern Africa. These include:
- Abidjan-Lagos, Abidjan-Ouagadougou, and Praia-Dakar-Abidjan in West Africa
- Libreville-Kribi-Douala-N’Djamena and Douala-Kampala in Central Africa
- Dar es Salaam to Djibouti and Mombasa-Kisangani in East Africa
- Maputo-Walvis Bay, Durban-Lubumbashi, and Lobito-Ndola in Southern Africa.
One corridor, Cairo to Kampala, is still under review.
Building a stronger Africa-EU partnership
The EU’s Global Gateway strategy hopes to create resilient, sustainable, and mutually beneficial development. By prioritising high-impact investment in transport, digital networks, renewable energy, and value chains, the EU seeks to support Africa’s development while securing strategic partnerships for critical resources and clean energy.
These corridor investments are expected to serve as catalysts for regional integration, economic growth, and enhanced Africa-Europe cooperation, building a foundation for shared prosperity in the years to come.
