The reconstruction work on the Sètto-Dassa-Zoumè section, 39.45 km long, was launched on 9 September 2026 in Benin. Funded to the tune of 291 million dollars, including 202 million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and 89 million from Benin, they include the passage of the road in 2×2 lanes and the construction of a second bridge on the Zou River.

The section is a link in the road network linking the port of Cotonou to the central and northern regions of Benin and to the markets of the subregion. In particular, it supports the transport of goods by heavy goods vehicles between the south of the country and the northern areas.

The work includes the reconstruction and widening of the roadway into 2×2 lanes, the construction of a second 60-metre bridge over the Zou River and the construction of a toll and weighing station. The authorities expect these improvements to improve traffic flow and road safety.

The project is part of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Regional Compact, which came into effect on 17 July 2025. The programme also provides for the rehabilitation of approximately 127 km of road between Niamey and Dosso in Niger.

The aim is to strengthen the infrastructure of the corridor linking the port of Cotonou with Niger and to facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries. However, for supply chain players, the efficiency of this axis also depends on the continuity of cross-border trade.

The start of the work comes as the land border between Benin and Niger remains closed. This situation has affected freight flows between the two countries and transit traffic to the Niger market via the port of Cotonou for several months.

Road investment on the corridor is therefore accompanied by an issue related to the effective movement of goods. Beyond the quality of infrastructure, the fluidity of a corridor also depends on border crossing conditions and the functioning of the procedures necessary for the passage of vehicles and cargoes.