ABIDJAN, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Cote d'Ivoire intends to make road infrastructure a strategic pillar of its development and emergence, Thomas Camara, chairman of the board of directors of the Road Maintenance Fund (FER), said on Sunday.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the FER, Camara commended the efforts made by the Ivorian government to manage and improve road infrastructure.

"These infrastructures constitute not only a driver of economic development, but also a source of national pride," he said, calling on all stakeholders to contribute to their maintenance and preservation.

"As part of the broad infrastructure modernization program launched by the Ivorian government, the FER aims to strengthen its central role. The institution positions itself as a key link in financing a sustainable, safe and efficient road network capable of supporting economic growth and facilitating the mobility of the population," he added.

The country's length of paved roads has increased from 6,500 km in 2015 to about 9,200 km as of the end of July 2025, with nearly 400 km being highways. Its national road network totals over 82,000 km.

On several occasions, the Ivorian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to sustainably supporting the transformation of the national road network and to contributing significantly to the country's economic development. ■