Trans-Saharan Highway
A 4,500 km highway corridor crossing the Sahara Desert to link North Africa with West Africa's markets.
The Trans-Saharan Highway is a network of paved roads spanning approximately 4,500 km from Algiers, Algeria to Lagos, Nigeria, crossing the Sahara Desert. Part of the broader Trans-African Highway network envisioned by the African Union, the highway has been under development since the 1960s. The main corridor passes through Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria, with branches to Tunisia, Chad, and Mali. While substantial portions are now paved, some sections particularly in northern Niger remain incomplete or poorly maintained, and the project continues to receive investment from the African Development Bank and participating governments.
- 01Create a continuous paved road link between North Africa and West Africa
- 02Facilitate trade between Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, and neighbouring countries
- 03Reduce the isolation of Saharan communities and improve access to services
- 04Support economic integration as envisioned by the African Continental Free Trade Area
- 05Provide an alternative to sea routes for North-South African trade
- 06Improve security and governance in remote Saharan regions through connectivity
1962 · completed
Concept Initiated
The Trans-Saharan Highway concept was first proposed by the Organisation of African Unity and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
2000 · completed
Algerian Sections Completed
Algeria completed its 2,335 km section from Algiers to the Niger border, including the dramatic route through the Hoggar Mountains.
2014 · completed
Nigerian Sections Advanced
Nigeria's sections from Kano to the Niger border were substantially paved and operational.
2019 · in progress
Niger Missing Link Focus
The African Development Bank and partners committed funds to pave the remaining ~400 km gap in Niger between Arlit and Assamaka.
2023 · in progress
AfDB Renewed Commitment
The African Development Bank approved additional financing for Niger sections and border post improvements.
2026 · upcoming
Target Continuous Paving
Target date for achieving continuous paved road from Algiers to Lagos across all national sections.
Coordination Body
Trans-Saharan Highway Liaison Committee
A multinational committee of participating countries coordinating highway construction and standards.
Lead Financier
African Development Bank (AfDB)
Major multilateral financier providing loans and grants for the most challenging sections.
Key Participant
Government of Algeria
Completed the longest single national section at 2,335 km, from Algiers through the Sahara to the Niger border.
Key Participant
Government of Nigeria
Maintains the southern section from Kano to Zinder (Niger border), the highway's terminus at Lagos.
- Desert-grade asphalt and concrete road construction
- Sand dune stabilisation and erosion control
- Solar-powered road lighting at key points
- Rest stations with water and fuel in remote sections
- GPS-based navigation aids for desert crossings
- Border post modernisation for customs facilitation
What it means for the community
Completed sections have already transformed trade flows, enabling trucks to transport goods between North and West Africa in days rather than weeks. The highway supports millions of people in Saharan towns along the route. Full completion could increase bilateral trade between Nigeria and Algeria by an estimated 300% and provide a vital lifeline for landlocked Niger. The project is a cornerstone of the African Union's Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).
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- Multiple national governments coordinated by Trans-Saharan Highway Liaison Committee
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