The Ferkessédougou dry port site in northern Côte d'Ivoire exceeded 30 per cent, according to the authorities. Planned for the end of 2028, this infrastructure must strengthen the logistical organization between Abidjan, the north of the country and the states of the hinterland, including Burkina Faso and Mali.

During a visit to the site on 28 August, the Ivorian Minister of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance, Hien Sie, indicated that work was progressing with the advancement of earthworks, the construction of buildings and the finalization of some warehouses. Foundations for hydrocarbon deposits have also begun.

The first batch of the project represents an investment of CFAF 254.171 billion, or about $450 million, financed 85 per cent by a pool of Chinese banks led by ICBC and 15 per cent by the Ivorian State.

The Ferkessédougou Dry Port, which has an initial area of 732 hectares, must host a multimodal platform, specialized terminals and an oil depot with a capacity of 61 000 m3.

The project also includes facilities for certain commercial and industrial activities. The Ivorian authorities are also considering a future extension of the site in order to accompany the evolution of logistical needs.

In particular, the infrastructure will allow the transfer of some of the activities currently concentrated around Abidjan and the autonomous port of Abidjan to the north. Its operation will largely be based on the railway connection with the Abidjan-Ougadougou corridor, which is expected to transport goods to Ferkessédougou and the countries of the hinterland.

However, this rail component continues to face delays in its modernization programme, as flows between Abidjan, Burkina Faso and Mali continue to progress.