New Motorway Halves Travel Time between Libya and Tunisia

The recent commissioning of a new motorway connecting the Tunisian coastal cities of Gabès and Medenine to the Libyan border town of Ras Ajdir has significantly improved travel times and access to essential services for many, including Fatima Meftah Abudhair and her son, Abdelmuen Salah.

Fatima, who regularly travels from Tripoli, Libya’s capital, to the Tunisian island of Djerba for her son’s medical care, has seen her journey time cut in half, from five hours to just two and a half hours. The journey from Tunis to Ras Ajdir has also been reduced, now taking five hours instead of eight.

A Lifeline for Healthcare

Abdelmuen, 27, who suffers from multiple disabilities including paraplegia, autism, blindness, hearing impairment, and muteness, requires frequent visits to specialists at the Echifa Clinic in Djerba. The poor state of the old road made these trips long and exhausting, adding to the burden on his family.

With the new motorway, Fatima finds the journey far more manageable. “My son is ill. I have to look after him,” she says. “Before the new motorway was opened, the journey was difficult. Now, it’s easier to come to Djerba so he can get the care he needs.”

Dr. Houidi Ali, who has been treating Abdelmuen for a decade, notes the positive impact of the new infrastructure. “Now, thanks to the new motorway, I can look after him twice a week, because it’s a lot less stressful for his parents,” says Dr. Ali.

Boost to Medical Tourism

Djerba has long been a hub for medical tourism, particularly for Libyan patients who seek the island’s renowned medical expertise. With the new motorway, the number of Libyans travelling to Djerba for healthcare has nearly doubled. Dr. Ali confirms that “almost 50 per cent of our patients are Libyans,” underscoring Djerba’s importance as a medical centre.

The improved access means that patients can now receive care more regularly, and even make day trips for medical consultations—something that was previously difficult due to the longer travel times. Healthcare providers also benefit from reduced travel times, allowing them to offer better care to their patients.

Economic and Tourism Growth

The benefits of the new motorway extend beyond healthcare. The improved infrastructure is also spurring economic growth and boosting tourism. Djerba, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023 and now attracts over a million tourists annually, is seeing an increase in new businesses and smoother transportation of goods and people.

The African Development Bank Group played a significant role in making this project a reality, providing over €137 million for the construction of the motorway section linking Medenine to Ras Ajdir. This 104-kilometer stretch is part of a larger 188-kilometer motorway project that aims to strengthen cultural, historical, and economic ties between Tunisia and Libya.

With this new transnational motorway, Djerba and other Tunisian destinations like Hammamet and Kairouan can now boast transport infrastructure that matches their growing reputation and ambitions. The road not only symbolises progress but also significantly improves the quality of life for those like Fatima and her son, who rely on timely and accessible medical care.

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Source: African Development Bank