Identification, characterisation and ranking of strategic corridors in Africa : CUSA project : phase 1

In the context of the 2021-2027 EU programming exercise, the identification and prioritisation of key Strategic Corridors in Africa, and the focus on their development, is an opportunity to deepen the Africa-EU partnership from a 'policy first' perspective. Strategic Corridors are also meant to support territorial development (both rural and urban) through reliable networks and services, including the deployment of digital and energy-related infrastructure. In this context, JRC and DG INTPA have initiated a project on 'Strategic Corridors and Urban Systems in Africa' (CUSA). This report describes methods and outcomes of the first phase of the CUSA project, herein referred to as CUSA-1. Its objective was to support decision making in the selection of a limited number of Strategic Corridors in Africa, with the final aim to identify projects and infrastructures that will be financed by the EU's Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) as part of the Team Europe approach. By employing more than 140 quantitative indicators, the project identified 55 Strategic Corridors along four policy scenarios: Strengthening Europe-Africa connectivity; Human development & peace and security; Green Deal; and Sustainable growth and jobs. From those 55, a shortlist of 11 Strategic Corridors was recommended: four in West Africa, two in Central, two in East and two in Southern Africa, as well as one in North East Africa. The shortlist was obtained by analysing potential trade-offs across the four scenarios, focusing on 32 indicators related to economic welfare, equity, social inclusion, impact on the environment and impact on vulnerable groups. The 11 recommended corridors were formally unveiled in the conclusions of the EU African Union Summit on 17-18 February 2022. The second phase of CUSA (CUSA-2), aims to identify a range of specific areas of interventions for each of the selected Strategic Corridors. These areas of intervention shall strengthen the corridor efficiency in multiple dimensions, including, but not limited to, transport performance (costs, time and reliability), socio-economic aspects, logistics and trade development, and environmental impact.