West African nations deepen maritime ties to unlock blue economy potential
Dakar witnessed a landmark gathering of maritime leaders this month as Senegal and Guinea-Bissau solidified their commitment to advancing maritime transport and the blue economy across West Africa. The International Forum on Sustainable Maritime Transport and Logistics in the Blue Economy brought together policymakers, port authorities, and development partners to address critical challenges in maritime governance, port logistics, and regional integration.
The high-level Guinean delegation, led by Florentino Mendes Pereira, Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, engaged in intensive discussions over two days. Key priorities included modernizing port infrastructure, enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and strengthening regional partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, who inaugurated the event, praised Guinea-Bissau’s participation as a “brother nation,” emphasizing the strategic importance of collaboration in transforming the blue economy into a sustainable growth engine for the region.
Strategic initiatives to modernize maritime transport
The forum’s agenda covered transformative measures to revitalize the maritime sector:
- Port infrastructure upgrades to boost efficiency and capacity
- Enhanced cabotage services to improve regional connectivity
- Eco-friendly maritime transport through green technology adoption
- Digital transformation of port operations and logistics
- Human capital development through specialized training programs
- Public-private partnerships to mobilize investment in maritime projects
Discussions also highlighted the need for scientific research, innovation, and targeted financing to support these initiatives, ensuring long-term viability and competitiveness in the sector.
Key stakeholders chart the course for regional integration
The Guinean delegation included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute of Guinea-Bissau, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of Ports Administration, who played pivotal roles in shaping the forum’s outcomes. Their presence underscored the commitment to translating policy into action.
The event, organized by Senegal’s government, aligns with the Senegal Vision 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025-2029. These frameworks aim to position Senegal as a leading maritime and logistics hub in West Africa while fostering deeper regional cooperation under the blue economy agenda.
An accompanying international exhibition and business networking sessions provided a platform for public and private sector stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and forge new partnerships in maritime transport and logistics.