The rehabilitation project of National Road 5 is advancing with the arrival in Antananarivo of a delegation from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). On a mission to Madagascar, the delegation is evaluating the second phase of work connecting Vahibe to Mananara-Nord and is considering a contribution of 40 million dollars to its financing. The delegation was received yesterday by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Herinjatovo Aimé Ramiarison. Its mission, scheduled from August 17 to 20, will examine various aspects of the project before upcoming decisions. Technical, economic, financial and institutional components are among the main elements being studied. This second phase represents an updated investment of 147.389 million dollars. To raise this amount, Madagascar is seeking support from several Arab financial partners, including BADEA, the Saudi Development Fund, OFID, the Kuwait Fund and the Abu Dhabi Fund. Three institutions have already expressed interest. For Madagascar, RN5 represents an essential axis for improving accessibility to the Northeast. A more passable road between Vahibe and Mananara-Nord should facilitate travel, goods circulation and market access, while promoting economic activity in the territories crossed. BADEA is already participating in the first phase connecting Soanierana-Ivongo to Vahibe, with financing of 10 million dollars. Its intervention in Madagascar also concerns the Mangoky bridge, to which it contributes 20 million dollars, as well as the Anosizato fly-over and Maki roundabout projects. Cooperation could now expand further. The government has presented BADEA with several priority files, notably the GRACIR agricultural project, the Volobe hydroelectric development and the Antananarivo–Toamasina highway. For the latter, a grant of 1.484 million dollars was signed in July to finance an integrated feasibility study. The ongoing evaluation thus constitutes an important step towards mobilizing resources necessary for RN5 and opening up the Northeast.