Abidjan launches studies for light rail, BRT and urban mobility with IDA grant to 2028

The government of Côte d’Ivoire has signed a grant agreement with the International Development Association (IDA) to prepare a major urban mobility and development programme for Greater Abidjan. The agreement, signed on 30 October 2026, provides SDR 2.21 million in funding for studies and engineering design. The programme, called the Integrated Mobility and Urban Development for Sustainable Growth in Abidjan MPA Program, aims “to support a more inclusive and competitive Abidjan with enhanced metropolitan governance systems.” The grant will fund feasibility and technical studies for light rail, bus rapid transit, cycling and public transport interchanges, as well as stormwater management, the proposed Vridi Canal crossing, logistics facilities and urban parks. The closing date for the grant is 30 April 2028.

This new phase of work will affect a wide range of business travellers, MICE organisers, group travel planners, logistics operators and regional visitors to Abidjan. Improved urban transport options could make the city more attractive for conferences, trade events and corporate travel, especially as the studies include both light rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) as possible solutions. The inclusion of cycling and public transport interchanges may also benefit local and regional visitors who need better connections between Abidjan’s districts and the airport. For logistics and supply chain operators, the technical package’s focus on corridor connections and the Vridi Canal crossing could improve access to the port and industrial zones.

For the African travel trade, the immediate impact is on planning and client advice. As the grant covers only studies and design, there is no commitment yet to construction or to a specific transport mode. Agencies should monitor future announcements from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance and the CC-PRICI implementing unit for updates on project selection, timelines and procurement. Sellers should advise clients that no new urban transport services will be available before 2028, and that current arrangements for airport transfers and city mobility remain unchanged. The grant finances 100% of eligible expenditure, including taxes, for goods, consulting and non-consulting services, operating costs and training, but no withdrawals can be made for payments before the signature date.

Connectivity from other African hubs is a key consideration for the trade. Abidjan is a major gateway for West Africa, with Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport serving regional and international flights. Improved urban mobility could make transfers between the airport, business districts and hotels faster and more reliable, especially for passengers arriving from Lagos, Accra, Dakar, Nairobi and Addis Ababa. However, as the programme is still at the preparation stage, agencies should continue to plan for road-based transfers and allow extra time for city traffic. The inclusion of logistics facilities and urban parks in the technical package may also support the development of new tourism and business zones in the city.

Compared to other African cities, Abidjan is now launching studies for light rail and BRT, while cities like Addis Ababa, Lagos and Nairobi have moved further into implementation. Addis Ababa opened its light rail system in 2015, financed by China and operated by the Ethiopian Railway Corporation. Lagos launched the Blue Line of its Rail Mass Transit in December 2022 and operates a BRT system, with further expansion planned. Nairobi has advanced plans for a BRT network and is developing a Railway City around its commuter rail hub. These examples show that urban rail and BRT are becoming more common in sub-Saharan Africa, but Abidjan’s programme is still at the study and design phase. (Note: these facts are widely documented but could not be confirmed from official sources in this session.)

Abidjan is a fast-growing city with a unique lagoon geography that shapes its transport needs. The city’s expansion has created challenges for urban mobility, stormwater management and logistics. While official population and tourism arrival statistics are not available from confirmed sources in this session, it is clear that Abidjan is a key business and travel hub for West Africa. The inclusion of lagoon transport and urban parks in the studies reflects the need for integrated solutions that address both mobility and environmental resilience. Agencies should note that the programme’s scope covers both transport and urban development, which may create new opportunities for tourism and business travel in the future.

The grant agreement uses a Multi-Phase Programmatic Approach (MPA), which signals a long-term partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and the World Bank Group. The MPA structure allows for phased engagement, with the current grant funding only the preparation phase. The agreement explicitly states that the grant does not constitute or imply any commitment by the World Bank or IDA to finance the follow-on programme. This means that future construction and implementation will depend on the results of the studies and on securing additional funding. Prior World Bank project history in Côte d’Ivoire, such as the Abidjan Metro or BRT lending, could not be confirmed in this session.

There are several open questions for the trade. The studies will examine light rail, BRT, cycling and interchanges, but no decision has been made on which mode will be built, when construction might start, or how the projects will be financed. There is also no information yet on fares, ticketing systems, or integration with existing transport. The grant’s closing date is 30 April 2028, with a disbursement deadline four months later, so clarity on next steps may not come before then. Agencies should watch for updates on procurement, environmental and social safeguards, and institutional arrangements as the studies progress.

The outlook for the sub-Saharan African travel business is positive if Abidjan moves forward with new urban transport investments. Improved mobility and urban infrastructure could make the city more attractive for regional meetings, business events and leisure travel. The inclusion of cycling, parks and lagoon transport may also support new tourism products and sustainable travel options. However, the trade should be cautious, as no construction is yet committed and timelines for delivery remain uncertain. Agencies should engage with local partners and monitor official channels for the latest information as the programme develops.

Sources: IDA, Grant Agreement E8010, 30 October 2026 (primary facts provided by editor; comparison city facts on Lagos, Nairobi and Addis Ababa are widely documented this session.