Bridging the Gap: Togo’s Strategic Kéran River Crossing Enters Final Phase

Kara Region, Togo — Togo’s ambitious plan to revolutionize rural connectivity reached a major milestone this week. On Monday, January 26, 2026, President Faure Gnassingbé conducted a high-profile site visit to the Kéran River bridge project, signaling that the structural phase of this critical link is now in full swing.

Part of a massive 65 billion CFA franc national initiative to construct 21 modular bridges across all five economic regions, the Kéran River crossing is more than just an engineering feat—it is a lifeline for the northern corridor.

Engineering a Connection

Located along the vital Kantè-Nadoba road corridor, the new bridge is a modern Unibridge-type steel-concrete composite structure. Key specifications include:

• Dimensions: 102.6 metres long, 11 metres wide, and 13.4 metres high.
• Design: A three-span reinforced structure built to withstand heavy transit and seasonal river surges.
• Investment: A dedicated 2.2 billion CFA francs for this specific site.

With civil works and foundations now complete, engineers have begun installing the steel framework and completing the superstructure.

A Boost for Rural Tourism and Trade

The Kéran bridge serves a dual purpose. By connecting the Kéran 1 and Kéran 3 communes, it provides rural communities with year-round access to essential socioeconomic services. However, the impact on the Tourism Sector is equally significant.

The bridge eases access to the Koutammakou landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its iconic Takienta (mud tower-houses). By improving the Kantè-Nadoba corridor, Togo is positioning its northern regions as more accessible destinations for cultural travelers and explorers.

The “21 Bridges” Program

This project is a flagship example of international cooperation, funded by a 50 billion CFA franc contribution from France and 15 billion CFA francs from the Togolese state. The overarching goal is to:

• Fast-track the transport of agricultural produce to national markets.
• Bridge the infrastructure gap between urban hubs and rural agricultural zones.
• Strengthen the National Development Plan (PND) by ensuring no region is left isolated.

As the steel beams click into place over the Kéran River, Togo edges closer to a fully integrated national transport network that promises to drive both economic growth and local empowerment.