China Eximbank provides $70.6 million loan for Foundiougne Toll Bridge Construction Project

Project narrative

In 2016, China Eximbank and the Government of Senegal signed a $70,604,333 loan agreement for the Foundiougne Toll Bridge Construction Project. The borrowing terms of the loan are unknown. The borrower was expected to use the proceeds of the loan to finance a $71.04 million commercial (EPC) contract with China Great Wall Industry Group Co., Ltd. and China Henan International Cooperation Group Co., Ltd. The Government of Senegal also provided counterpart funding for this project. According to the Government of Senegal’s Aid Management Platform, as of May 2022, the China Eximbank loan achieved an 80.4% completion rate (with three disbursements taking place in 2018, 2019 and 2020). The project involved the construction of a toll bridge — with a length of 1290 meters, a width of 11.4 meters, and two navigable spans between the piers to facilitate boat traffic — that crosses the Saloum River and connects the cities of Ndakhonga and Foundiougne. The ultimate purpose of the project was to facilitate faster transportation in Senegal's Fatick region and promote the socio-economic development of the Sine-Saloum delta. The bridge is connected to National Road No. 9. China Great Wall Industry Group Co., Ltd. and China Henan International Cooperation Group Co., Ltd were the EPC contractors responsible for implementation. Construction began on February 20, 2018. The bridge was opened to traffic on January 16, 2022. A formal inauguration ceremony took place on March 26, 2022. The bridge was renamed the Nelson Mandela Bridge at the inauguration ceremony. The project, which officially achieved completion acceptance in July 2024, reportedly created 2000 direct and indirect jobs. It was originally scheduled to begin implementation in January 2016 and reach completion in September 2019.