Work on the Trans-Sahara highway is on track with its construction schedule. The 4,500km route will connect the Mediterranean coast at Algerian capital Algiers with Nigeria’s commercial centre Lagos on the Atlantic coast when complete. The highway will not be tolled when it is fully open to traffic so as to encourage its use. Work on some 200km of the highway running through Niger is due to start shortly, while work is underway on 400km of the 700km that runs through Mali. Algerian contractors will be in the running to work on the remaining 300km of the highway in Mali as these firms have the experience of working in the challenging conditions. The route is of major economic importance, particularly for landlocked Mali and Niger, two of the poorest nations in Africa as it will help boost trade, which is also crucial for improving stability. In addition, the existing roads through the Sahara desert are dangerous and these upgrades will also help boost safety and reduce the rate of injuries and fatalities seen at present.
