Multinational - ECOWAS Interconnecting Railways Study

This Study is based on the ECOWAS Railways Master Plan and the existing need for cheaper intra-ECOWAS transport mode for both freight and passenger movement. The study would help ECOWAS and its member countries in formulating their short, medium and long term investment plans and in making sound investment decisions in railway sub-sector. It will contribute not only to support investment decisions in railway infrastructure aimed among other objectives, at opening up the landlocked countries namely Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, but will also play a catalytic role in attracting investments in areas such as mining and industries which have a multiplier effect in employment generation. The study is articulated around: (i) Economic, Financial and Technical Feasibility Study of rail links and routes options based on past studies and secondary sources of information; (ii) a Regional Environmental and Social Impact Assessment associated with these links/routes including their Impact on Poverty Reduction and Gender Issues; (iii) Exam the existing institutional and operational framework and propose the best practices for the unified ECOWAS railways system; (iv) rehabilitation plan for the existing railway lines that would become part of the ECOWAS international railway routes as a result of the interconnection of the railways of the member countries. The total cost net of taxes and duties of the study has been estimated at about UA 2.636 million.