Uniting Africa Through the Lake Victoria to Mediterranean Sea Project
The ambitious project to connect Lake Victoria with the Mediterranean Sea has been dubbed a "dream project," with the slogan "One Continent, One River, One People." This transformative initiative seeks to unite Africa's Nile Basin countries through an integrated multimodal transport system, recognized under the PIDA PAP 2 framework and championed as a Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative (PICI) project.
Fostering Socio-Economic Integration and Cohesion
The project aims to foster socio-economic integration and cohesion among the 10 Nile Basin nations, 5 of which are landlocked. By enhancing trade and tourism and reducing poverty across the region, the initiative seeks to achieve sustainable development goals through the creation of a seamless transport network integrating navigation, railways, and road systems.
Navigating the Project's Phases
The journey began with a pre-feasibility study (2014-2015), fully funded by Egypt under the PICI framework. This phase identified five potential alternatives, ranging from a complete navigation line between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean to multimodal options involving rail and road infrastructure. Between 2015 and 2019, the African Development Bank provided $650,000 to fund Phase 1 of the feasibility study, which resulted in key deliverables, including the institutional and legal framework and capacity-building initiatives for the involved countries. However, funding gaps have delayed subsequent phases.
Securing Funding and Mobilizing Resources
The second phase of the project requires $11.7 million to complete the next feasibility phase, of which $2 million has already been committed by the African Development Bank. This phase includes an environmental and social impact assessment for one of the alternatives identified during the feasibility study, followed by the design and implementation phase. The strategic environmental social assessment, transport economic studies, and technical feasibility assessments will help identify the optimal transport solution among the proposed alternatives. However, limited funding means the team must take a phased approach to avoid data obsolescence while seeking to mobilize additional resources.
Fostering Regional Cooperation and Capacity-Building
The project brings together the primary Nile Basin countries, including Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda, alongside nations contributing through tributaries, such as Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia. A steering committee comprising officials from each country's transport and water ministries oversees the initiative, while COMESA ensures coordination. Two regional capacity-building programmes were conducted, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of inland water transport, with active participation from member countries. These initiatives have further strengthened the foundation for advancing the project.
A Symbol of African Unity and Cooperation
The Lake Victoria to Mediterranean Sea project is not just about transport but also about connecting people and fostering development. By addressing poverty, enhancing trade, and building regional capacity, the initiative serves as a symbol of African unity and cooperation. However, its realization depends on sustained financial support and collaborative effort among stakeholders. As the project continues to navigate its various phases, the successful completion of this "dream project" will not only transform Africa's transportation landscape but also serve as a testament to the continent's ability to unite, innovate, and drive sustainable development for the benefit of all its people.
