Trade and civilization — The Trans-African Road Network
Trade has been ongoing since the beginning of time, with people moving goods from town to town and across countries and continents. Historic trade routes like the Silk Road, connecting Asia and Europe, have been well-documented. In Africa, the spread of Islam in the region was facilitated by Muslim traders in the north. Trade is essential for fostering prosperity among the inhabitants of an area. Multilateral agreements between various development organizations such as the African Development Bank, the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa are collectively working on creating a Trans-African highway network.
Covering such a vast continent requires a carefully designed road network. The plan for the Trans-African road network divides it into two directions: one spanning north-south and the other spanning east-west. Trans-African Highway 1 starts in Cairo and ends in Dakar, following the Mediterranean coastline through Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and finally Senegal. However, occasional conflicts in the region can disrupt travel, with the Algeria/Morocco border currently closed due to disputes over Western Sahara. Highway 5 starts in Dakar, Senegal, and extends to N’Djamena, Chad, connecting the western port city of Dakar and traversing Sahel countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, northern Nigeria, northern Cameroon, and Chad. Highway 6 starts in N’Djamena and extends to Djibouti, linking the west and east coasts of Africa. Highway 7, a continuation of the coastal route of Highway 1, starts in Dakar and follows the coast to Lagos, passing through Abidjan, Ivory Coast, another important city in the region. Among other highway connections, Highway 3 stands out as a significant north-south route, starting in Tripoli, Libya, and extending all the way down to Cape Town, South Africa. Spanning a total of 6,717 miles, it is the longest of the highways.
The project is expected to cost a staggering 30 billion dollars and will cover a total of 60,000 miles of road. The diverse terrain poses challenges in building the road network, and delays are anticipated. The project will be implemented in phases as funding becomes available. The economic benefits could be substantial, as infrastructure is a critical issue for African countries. Increased connectivity to city centers will facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth. However, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact, and policies should be implemented to protect the land on which the roads will be built. Trade has always been fundamental to civilization, and this road network has the potential to revolutionize the African continent.
