(Togo First) - Beyond CFA4,000 billion. That is how much studies and construction works for the rail loop, that will connect WAEMU States, will cost.  

This was revealed last Thursday in Abidjan, by Paul Koffi Koffi, the commissioner in charge of community land-use planning and transports within WAEMU. This was during a meeting regrouping ministers of transport of the union. 

According to the Ivorian commissioner, the infrastructure should help boost trade between concerned States (currently at 12%-14% only), lower costs of transportation, and make these countries more competitive, in regards to international trade. 

Let's recall that this major project should connect five West African capitals (Abidjan-Ouagadougou-Niamey-Cotonou -Lomé), and span 3,034 km, including 1,946 km that is to be rehabilitated and 1,088 km to be built.