Ambitious new North-Central Africa road project commences in Egypt

Its first phase of around 400 km will run from East El-Oweinat in south-west Egypt to the Al-Kufra border crossing with Libya. In all, 400km of road will be inside Egypt, 390km inside Libya, and 930km inside Chad. 

Libya Review says the road is expected to play “a key role in enhancing trade, transport and economic cooperation across North and Central Africa, positioning Egypt as a major transit hub for regional commerce”. 

Global Highways, a trade publication serving the international road, bridge and tunnel construction industry, adds that the road will provide all three nations with a new route, boosting trade and economic development in the region.  

“The road project will be of particular benefit to landlocked Chad, as it will give the country access to ports in Libya and Egypt,” notes Global Highways. 

Egyptian contractors have experience in these challenging conditions 

An Egyptian-based construction company, Arab Contractors, is building the first section of road, with the publication commenting that “Egyptian contractors have considerable experience in building roads in these extremely challenging conditions and will be well-placed to win further packages of works for the project”. 

Among those who are bullish about the project is economic lecturer Dr Norhan Abdel Rahman. She believes it is more than just asphalt and construction; it’s a strategic corridor designed to catalyse trade, deepen regional integration and unlock a new chapter of prosperity for North and Central Africa.  

“By bridging the vast distances between them, Egypt and Chad are not only strengthening their own economic futures but also creating a vital artery for commerce that will resonate across the continent,” Rahman writes in a report published by the non-profit policy research organisation, Africa Narratives. 

“By replacing lengthy and expensive sea voyages with a direct land route, the project will cut transit times between Egypt and Chad from months to mere days. This dramatic increase in efficiency will make Egyptian goods more competitive in Central Africa and open up the vast African market for Egyptian companies. For Chad, it provides a crucial gateway for its exports … to reach global markets via Egypt’s Mediterranean ports.” 

She adds that trade between the Egypt and Libya is already robust and the new road will solidify and expand this vital economic relationship. 

“This initiative is a tangible step towards realising the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), turning the dream of a borderless African market into a reality, one kilometre at a time,” Rahman states.