Libya is planning to build one of the largest infrastructure projects in Africa by constructing a 1,060-mile-long, four-lane-wide highway stretching from Ras Ajdir on the border with Tunisia across the country to Imsaad, close to the border with Egypt. The project will be financed by Italy as part of a deal signed in 2008, under which Italy would invest $5 billion over 20 years in infrastructure projects as compensation for Italian colonial rule in Libya between 1911-1943. The projects can only be undertaken by Italian companies and so far 20 have submitted tenders. The awarding process for the tenures was expected to start at the end of October. Due to the massive size of the project, it was expected to be split into three, with different firms each taking on of one section of the road.