Plan to Dig 2,400 km Canal in Africa to Save Dying Lake

Lake Chad has lost approximately 90% of its surface area due to climate change, population growth, and unsustainable water use, threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on it. A proposed plan involves digging a 2,400-kilometer canal to divert water from the Congo River basin to replenish the lake. The project, known as the Transaqua scheme, has been discussed for decades but faces significant financial, environmental, and geopolitical hurdles. If completed, it could restore water levels, boost agriculture, and reduce conflict in the Sahel region. However, critics warn of ecological disruption to the Congo basin and massive costs estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. No official timeline or funding commitment has been announced.

Global Impact

Economically, the canal would be one of the largest infrastructure projects in African history, potentially costing $50 billion or more, with uncertain returns. Politically, it could reshape water diplomacy between Congo, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Central African Republic, reducing resource-driven conflicts but also creating new dependencies.