In order to finance phase 2 of the Program to Open Cross-border and Agricultural Areas, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group approved a loan of 115.66 million euros in favor of Côte d'Ivoire.

The Program to Open Border and Agricultural Areas is a strategic initiative that will unlock economic potential and strengthen regional integration in the border regions of Côte d'Ivoire. It addresses critical infrastructure deficits in the cross-border areas of Côte d'Ivoire, which despite their considerable agricultural and forestry potential, remain isolated from the main markets. Poor road conditions and inadequate transport links force farmers to sell their produce at dramatically reduced prices or to lose their crops entirely, while entire communities remain cut off from economic opportunities

According to the Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development Mr. Mike Salawou, “this program represents a transformative investment in Côte d'Ivoire's agricultural competitiveness and regional integration.” Beyond road infrastructure, the program will strengthen agricultural value chains by improving facilities for processing, storing and marketing agricultural products in the project areas