Low-carbon and climate-resilient rural logistics in the Sahel: Strategic framework for investment planning

This report describes a strategic framework that integrates climate considerations to evaluate social and economic development through rural transportation and logistics solutions in the Sahel region. Designed specifically for the Sahel’s development goals, characteristics, and challenges, the framework promotes low-carbon investments in the transportation and logistics sector, aiming to maximize resilience and inclusivity while optimizing the benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR).

It guides investments toward an optimal mix of hard infrastructure and complementary interventions in logistics equipment, operations, business models, and institutional capacity at the regional level, rather than focusing solely on infrastructure construction and adaptation works. A comprehensive set of measurable indicators enables users to quantify all necessary parameters for investment appraisal, ensuring data-driven decisions aligned with the framework’s objectives. This report is a core element of the World Bank’s updated Western and Central Africa Development Corridors Strategy for infrastructure investment priorities and policy enablers for the new generation of development corridors and the challenges for its implementation and steps necessary to maximize its potential benefits.