In the Guinean capital Conakry, the Five Bridges Project has been succesfully been completed and officially opened. With the construction of five steel bridges and related road infrastructure, accessibility, traffic safety, and overall liveability for approximately two million residents of the city have been significantly improved. With the commitment and public financing of Invest International, this complex infrastructure project was made possible, backed by credit insurance of Atradius Dutch State Business. Implementation was carried out by Ballast Nedam, in close collaboration with local partners.
Five Bridges Project
Conakry is a rapidly growing city where natural barriers such as ravines and riverbeds have a daily impact on the mobility and safety of the local population. The five new bridges, with a total length of 720 meters and approximately 11 kilometers of connecting roads, provide better links between neighbourhoods, hospitals, and other essential facilities. Improved infrastructure enables residents to move around the city more safely and efficiently, which not only facilitates daily life but also stimulates the local economy in both the city and its surrounding areas.
The Five Bridges Project is an example of a successful international public-private partnership, showcasing Dutch expertise and know-how. Ballast Nedam worked closely with the client—the Ministry of Infrastructure of Guinea—as well as a range of international and local partners.
Invest International played a decisive role as public financier and structuring partner. Large infrastructure projects in emerging markets often involve high risk profiles and long payback periods, which typically discourage commercial banks from providing loans or guarantees. Through public financing, Invest International can make a difference precisely in these contexts and, together with Dutch partners, enable major infrastructure projects with a high societal impact.
Partnership and financing
In 2021, the Guinean Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Dutch Embassy signed a grant agreement worth €30 million. In addition, Invest International provided a loan for the same amount, backed by credit insurance from Atradius Dutch State Business, securing the overall project financing. This financing structure makes it possible to invest in sustainable infrastructure with lasting social and economic impact for Guinea, while also creating opportunities for Dutch businesses.
Despite complex conditions, including logistical challenges and cultural differences, the project was completed on time and within budget. Through smart optimizations in execution, works that were originally planned to take three years were completed in just one and a half years. Safety and quality were central throughout. The project demonstrates that large-scale urban infrastructure can go hand in hand with positive environmental and social outcomes, thanks to strict application of international IFC standards and targeted, proactive measures.
Official opening in Conakry
The completion of the project is being celebrated with a festive opening ceremony on site, attended by the Guinean Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, project partners, and other stakeholders.
The opening ceremony, attended by the honorable le Premier Ministre of Guinea Amadou Oury Bah, Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency Amara Camara, Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works Laye Sekou Camara, Minister of Planning and Cooperation Ismael Nabe, ambassdor Carmen Hagenaars, Commercial Director of Ballast Nedam Lara Muller and several international partners.
