<p>A colonial-era dream may become a reality. Bankrolled by French industrialist Vincent Bolloré, the €2.5 billion- and 3,000-kilometre-long rail network is set to cover five countries, from the port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast, via Niger, to the seaside of Benin.</p><br />Against the backdrop of political instability and security issues, Bolloré's group project has also been fraught with controversy, including accusations of neo-colonialism.<br />Our reporters went to examine the ambitious plan, tracing its route and looking at the players who stand to benefit as well as those who do not.<br /><br />Visit our website:<br />http://www.france24.com<br /><br />Like us on Facebook:<br />https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter:<br />https://twitter.com/France24_en
