Ambassador Davis Ba remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the MCC Abidjan Transport Project -September 20, 2023, Abidjan, Koumassi
It is an absolute pleasure to be here today to celebrate the launch of construction works for the Abidjan Transport Project, which will improve traffic congestion in Abidjan. The United States values its partnership with Côte d’Ivoire, which is why the American people have generously committed $536.7 million in transportation and education projects through the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact.
The MCC Compact supports Côte d’Ivoire’s drive to diversify its economy through targeted investment in the education sector and the strengthening of transportation infrastructure. The Compact is a covenant between our two nations, confirmation of our shared values and a testament to the depth of our partnership.
The first project, the Skills for Employability and Productivity Project is increasing access to secondary education, reforming teacher training, improving access to the education system for girls and women, improving data systems, and building secondary schools, two teacher training colleges, and technical and vocational education and training centers that will be managed for the first time by Public Private Partnerships.
The second project, the Abidjan Transport Project, will improve traffic congestion in Abidjan by reducing transport costs and improving efficiencies for businesses by rehabilitating the Yopougon Expressway, the Boulevard de la Paix, and the Boulevards du Port/Vridi, and by constructing a Flyover here at the Grand Carrefour of Koumassi. In addition, seventeen government agencies are working closely with us and receiving the training and equipment to provide necessary technical support to better maintain the entire road network. Modern and well-maintained transportation infrastructure is the key to sustainable economic growth and greatly improves vehicle and pedestrian mobility and safety.
In addition, the Abidjan Transport Project is creating hundreds of jobs for the people of Côte d’Ivoire and introducing new pavement technology, for the Boulevards du Port/Vridi.
Our relationship goes beyond construction projects – the United States and Côte d’Ivoire are working together to invest in people, promote peace, and expand shared prosperity. Our relationship is about partnership, learning from one another, and strengthening the ties between our two nations.
Finally, I’d like to thank His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara, Prime Minister Patrick Achi, the former Chair of the Millennium Challenge Account Board of Directors, Minister Abdourahmane Cisse, the current Chair of the Millennium Challenge Account Board of Directors, and the entire Board of Directors for choosing to prioritize this project, which will have a profound impact on the commutes of everyday Ivoirians and on the flow of goods to and from Abidjan. We are your partner because we believe in the potential of Cote d’Ivoire and that we can go far together.
On est ensemble!