Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire is moving forward with a major urban mobility project aimed at easing congestion and improving transportation for its residents. The Abidjan Urban Mobility Project, supported by the World Bank and the Agence Française de Développement, focuses on improving public transport and road infrastructure within the city. The project is intended to address significant challenges in the movement of people and goods, impacting economic productivity and quality of life, according to project officials.
The initiative, formally known as P167401, encompasses several key components, including the implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line running from Yopougon to Bingerville, a key east-west corridor. Coulibaly Ali, the coordinator adjoint of the Projet de Mobilité Urbaine d’Abidjan (PMUA), stated in 2020 that the project aims to reduce commute times and increase the efficiency of the transportation network. The project similarly includes support for the Société de Transport Abidjanaise (SOTRA), the city’s public transport operator, and integration with existing transport systems like the Abidjan Metro and boat-bus services.
Procurement Plan and Project Components
A procurement plan report, dated May 3, 2022, details the logistical framework for implementing the project. The report, authored by Ali Pligueya Coulibaly, outlines the procedures for acquiring goods, works, and non-consulting services necessary for the project’s execution. The World Bank document (STEP64059) specifies the project’s regional focus as Western and Central Africa. Beyond the BRT line, the project will also address the modernization of informal transport sectors, including “woro-woro,” “gbakas,” and taxis, and provide training and social security coverage for those working within these systems.
According to a report by transports.gouv.ci, the PMUA anticipates that the project will significantly alter daily life for Abidjan residents. Coulibaly Ali indicated that, upon completion, citizens will no longer need to begin their commutes as early as 4:00 AM to reach work and return home at 9:00 PM. This improvement in mobility is expected to boost worker productivity and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The stated objective is to facilitate the circulation of goods and people whereas reducing mobility-related expenses and increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Urban Renewal and Feasibility Studies
Complementing the broader mobility project, a feasibility study is underway for the urban renewal of two BRT hubs in Abidjan: Yopougon-Selmer and Adjamé-Délégation. This study, commissioned by the PMUA, is being conducted by a consortium comprising urbaplan, Espelia, BPL, and Transitec, with funding from the World Bank and the Agence Française de Développement. The study aims to assess the potential for revitalizing the areas surrounding the BRT stations, creating more livable and economically vibrant spaces.
The project’s scope extends beyond infrastructure improvements to include organizational and regulatory reforms within the transport sector. This includes strengthening SOTRA’s capacity and establishing a system for seamless transfers between different modes of transport, such as the BRT, metro, and boat-bus services. The initiative also seeks to integrate informal transport operators into the formal transport system, providing them with training and access to social security benefits.
What comes next for the Abidjan Urban Mobility Project involves continued implementation of the procurement plan and the progression of the feasibility studies for the urban renewal components. The PMUA will continue to coordinate with the World Bank and the Agence Française de Développement to ensure the project remains on track and delivers its intended benefits to the people of Abidjan. The successful execution of this project is crucial for addressing the city’s growing transportation challenges and fostering sustainable urban development.
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