Ouagadougou–Bobo-Dioulasso Expressway

Ouagadougou–Bobo-Dioulasso Expressway
Route information
Length206 mi[1] (332 km)
Existed16 December 2025–present
Major junctions
East endOuagadougou (Yimdi)
West endBobo-Dioulasso
Location
CountryBurkina Faso
Highway system

The Ouagadougou–Bobo-Dioulasso Expressway, officially designated as Autoroute Ouagadougou–Bobo–Dioulasso, is a highway currently under construction in Burkina Faso in West Africa. It spans from Yimdi in Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso, spanning 332-kilometre (206 mi).

History

Construction

On 16 December 2025, President Ibrahim Traoré launched the construction of the expressway at Yimdi near Ouagadougou. The project is part of the state-led Faso Mêbo initiative, and state funds of nearly CFA 200 billion (US$357 million) was allocated in the 2026 budget.[2][3] The Ouagadougou–Bobo-Dioulasso Autoroute is reported to have up to four lanes in each direction, interchanges, overpasses and at least one underpass.[1]

Over 100 bulldozers and other heavy machines were used for clearing work, which were purchased in advance by the Burkina Faso government. Reportedly, clearing teams had worked day and night, with multiple teams breaking the project into sections.[4] By 15 February 2026, the clearing of the entire 332-kilometre (206 mi) route was completed, which was ahead of plans. On sections where clearing was completed, terracing and earthworks were to commence simultaneously.[5]

Specifications

As of 17 December 2025, Ouagadougou–Bobo-Dioulasso Expressway is planned to have up to eight lanes, with four in both directions. It will have up to nine two-level interchanges, 28 overpasses, and one underpass at the entrance of Bobo-Dioulasso. Outside heavily populated areas, the highway is planned to allow speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour (87 mph), which is aimed at reducing delivery times for heavy freight traffic.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Ouaga-Bobo Corridor: A 200 Billion FCFA Self-Funded 8-Lane Highway to Redefine Burkinabe Hinterland Flows". LogistAfrica. LogistAfrica. 17 December 2025. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  2. ^ "Burkina Faso: Le Capitaine Ibrahim Traoré pose la première pierre de la construction de l'autoroute Ouaga-Bobo" [Burkina Faso: Captain Ibrahim Traoré lays the foundation stone for the construction of the Ouaga-Bobo highway] (in French). Faso7. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  3. ^ "Burkina Faso launches state-funded expressway". AppSAF / APIE Project. 22 December 2025. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  4. ^ "Burkina Faso: Construction de l'autoroute Ouagadougou/Bobo-Dioulasso - 232 Km de l'emprise déjà degagés" [Burkina Faso: Construction of the Ouagadougou/Bobo-Dioulasso highway - 232 km of the right-of-way already cleared]. AllAfrica (in French). AllAfrica Global Media. 26 January 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Autoroute Ouaga-Bobo: fin des travaux de déblayage, place au terrassement" [Ouaga-Bobo expressway: clearing work complete, earthmoving begins]. Présidence du Faso (in French). Présidence du Faso. 15 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.