This short documentary, produced by the African Development Bank Group (ADB), shows the impact of the construction of a highway on social life along the 443 km axis connecting Enugu (Nigeria) to Bamenda (Cameroon). The ADB, Japanese government and the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon have invested in the construction of a tarred road that connects major trade centers in Nigeria with those in Cameroon and beyond. The highway is set to be completely finished in 2014.

According to the video the construction has opened up opportunities for trade, but also for economic and social infrastructure along the route. Exchange of goods, people and ideas between Nigeria and Cameroon can now follow a fast and easy route. The question is how and if this will change the societies along the route and in the two countries. Comparative research within our project will address these questions in the years to come. It is likely that the highway, that connects West Africa to Central Africa, plays an important role in this research.

This documentary relates to the research of master student Eefje Gilbert. See also her vodcast ‘Impressions of my field: Kribi, Cameroon in 45 seconds’ and her field report (part 1 and part 2).

Eefje Gilbert is a master student at Leiden University.