In the coastal town of Aného, just 40 km from the Togolese capital, Lomé, the hum of construction mingles with the rhythm of the Atlantic waves. Here, Lionel Djondo, a former banker turned entrepreneur, is building his dream – a seaside hotel with 40 rooms, a pool overlooking the ocean, and lush palm trees swaying nearby.
“We’re thinking big,” Djondo says, his excitement palpable as he surveys the site. “It’s a real little paradise, just 30 meters from the main road.” That proximity to the recently rehabilitated Lomé-Cotonou road was no coincidence – it’s the cornerstone of his bold venture.
The Lomé-Cotonou road, refurbished with $40.85 million in funding from the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group, isn’t just connecting two West African capitals – It’s spawning a wave of entrepreneurship and economic growth along its 150-km stretch. It exemplifies the African Development Bank Group’s commitment to facilitating crucial infrastructure to propel economic and industrial transformation and improve lives across Africa.
The rehabilitated road is part of the larger Abidjan-Lagos corridor, a strategic artery connecting five West African countries: Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
For Lionel, the transformation of this critical route has unlocked a world of possibilities. Not far from his hotel construction site, his restaurant, Le Miadjoe, sits strategically near the shores of Lake Togo, now a bourgeoning tourist hotspot. “Since the road was upgraded, we’ve had so many more customers,” he says. With newly installed solar-powered lighting, patrons now stay longer, enjoying live music and cultural events safely and comfortably.
Lionel Djondo, a 44-year-old former banker, has launched a hotel and restaurant business to capitalize on the benefits of the rehabilitated Lomé-Cotonou road.
The rehabilitation of the road is more than infrastructure; it is a symbol of regional progress. Once a narrow and hazardous stretch, the road now boasts two high-quality lanes, overhead pedestrian footbridges, and efficient border facilities.
Integrated Development Accelerator
Alexis Coffi Aquereburu, the mayor of Aného, is witnessing this transformation firsthand. “It used to be a difficult, narrow, and dangerous road. Today, it has completely changed the face of the towns and villages it passes through,” he explains. “It has enabled the establishment of hotels, cultural and tourist events, and countless businesses. It’s a tool for peaceful development and economic growth.”
The ripple effects are evident across industries. Car dealer Maël Gnancadja frequently travels between Lomé and Cotonou, capitalizing on the smoother border crossings at the revamped Sanvee Condji/Hillacondji border post. “When a road is good, you can introduce quality buses and trucks, leading to better services. It’s a virtuous circle that accelerates growth,” Gnancadja says.
Beyond commerce, the road’s rehabilitation has sparked social and cultural renewal. Fisherman Johnny Humpati, currently an advisor to the Fédération Nationale des Unions des Coopératives de Pêche du Togo, sees the impact on his industry. “The road has transformed our business. Now, even at night, women traders can quickly transport fresh fish to market.” The once-isolated fishing communities are now thriving as they access new markets and meet rising demand.
The project also funded social infrastructure, including a youth center in Aného, a renovated secondary school, and a medical center in Agbodrafo. These facilities are helping to improve education and healthcare, empowering local populations to contribute to and benefit from the region’s growth.
As Lionel Djondo prepares to open his hotel, he represents a wave of entrepreneurs seizing the opportunities this transformation has unlocked. The Lome-Cotonou road is no longer just a route –it’s a lifeline, a development accelerator, and a beacon of what regional cooperation can achieve.
Source African Development Bank Group
